Notes 6. Tissues - Connective Tissue | Class 9 Science - Toppers Study

Connective Tissue: 

The cells of connective tissue are loosely spaced and embedded in an intercellular matrix. The matrix may be jelly like, fluid, dense or rigid. The nature of matrix differs in concordance with the function of the particular connective tissue.

Examples of Connective Tissue: 

Blood, bones, Cartilage, ligaments and tendons etc. 

Plasma: The fluid (liquid) matrix of blood is called plasma. Plasma contains three types of blood cells.  

(i) RBC - Red blood cells 

(ii) WBC - White blood Cells

(iii) Platelets 

These three types of blood cells are suspended in plasma. Plasma is a yellowish liquid like material. The plasma also contains proteins, salts and hormones. Blood flows and transports gases, digested food, hormones and waste materials to different parts of the body.

Bones: It is also a connective tissue. 

(i) It forms the framework that supports the body.

(ii) It also anchors the muscles and supports the main organs of the body.

(iii) It is a strong and nonflexible tissue.

(iv) Bone cells are embedded in a hard matrix that is composed of calcium and
phosphorus compounds.

Ligaments: Two bones can be connected to each other by another type of connective tissue called the ligament.

(i) This tissue is very elastic.

(ii) It has considerable strength.

(iii) Ligaments contain very little matrix.

Tendons: Tendons connect bones to muscles and are another type of connective
tissue.

(i) Tendons are fibrous tissue with great strength but limited flexibility.

Cartilage: Cartilage is another type of connective tissue, which has widely spaced cells. The solid matrix of this tissue is composed of proteins and sugars.

(i) Cartilage smoothens bone surfaces at joints and is also present in the nose, ear, trachea and larynx.

(ii) Cartilage of ear can be folded. 

Areolar connective tissue: Areolar connective tissue is found between the skin and muscles, around blood vessels and nerves and in the bone marrow.

Functions:

(i) It fills the space inside the organs, supports internal organs and helps in repair of tissues.

Adipose Tissue: Adipose tissue is found below the skin and between internal organs. The cells of this tissue are filled with fat globules.

Function of Adipose Tissue:

(i) It stores fats. 

(ii) it act as an insulator.