Question

How is the structure of connective tissue related to its function?

Answer 1

Connective tissue is present in the body of complex animals where its chief function is to bind and support other tissues together in the organs. They also perform functions of storage, repair, defence and transport.

Complete answer:
There are four main types of animal tissues; Epithelial, connective, muscular and neural. Connective tissue is the most abundant tissue in animals. Based on the structure of connective tissue, it performs different functions in the body. The connective tissue can be divided into mainly three groups: Loose connective tissue, Dense connective tissue and Specialised connective tissue.

Loose connective tissue consists of cells and fibres that are loosely arranged in the semi-fluid ground substance. Examples are areolar tissue and adipose tissue. Areolar tissue is the most widely distributed connective tissue in the body, present under the skin as subcutaneous tissue in between and around muscles. Its primary function is to bind parts together. It also provides strength, elasticity and support. Adipose tissue is fat storing connective tissue, located mainly beneath the skin.

Dense connective tissue is of two types: white fibrous connective tissue and yellow elastic connective tissue. White fibrous tissue consists mainly of collagen fibres which are arranged in bundles. The fibroblasts are present in rows between the bundles. The presence of this tissue at joints between skull bones provides strength and makes them immovable. Yellow elastic tissue is mainly made up of loose networks of yellow fibres. The fibroblasts are irregularly scattered. This tissue has considerable strength along with elasticity which allows stretching of various organs.

Specialised connective tissue includes cartilage, bone and blood. Cartilage is soft skeletal tissue, found in the outer ear joints, nose tip, limbs and hands in adults.The hardest tissue in the body is bone and it supports various organs. Blood is mobile connective tissue composed of plasma (fluid) and cells. It helps in transportation of various substances throughout the body.

Note: Collagen fibres of connective tissue help in repair of injured tissues. The jelly-like ground substance of connective tissues acts as a shock absorber around some organs such as eye balls and kidneys.