Connective tissue is one of the most abundant animal tissues and is widely distributed in all the complex animals. As the name suggests, it performs the function of supporting and linking other tissues and organs of the body.
They originate from the mesodermal germ layer. A connective tissue is composed of cells, ground tissue and protein fibres. The ground substance is secreted by the cells in the form of modified polysaccharides. It provides mechanical and structural support to the tissues. The connective tissues are of two types: connective tissue proper and specialised connective tissue.
Connective Tissue Proper
The connective tissue proper are of two types: dense connective tissue and loose connective tissue. The dense connective tissue is further divided into dense regular and dense irregular tissues. The loose and dense connective tissues can be distinguished on the basis of fibres and ground tissue. Loose connective tissue has a higher amount of ground tissue as compared to fibres. The opposite stands for dense connective tissue. The connective tissue proper absorbs shock and binds tissues together. It can be seen in tendons and ligaments.
Specialised Connective Tissue
Specialised connective tissues are composed of specialised cells and unique ground substances. Examples of such tissues include supportive (cartilage and bone) and fluid connective tissues (such as blood and lymph). The specialised connective tissue protects the body from microbes, and the fluids help in the transport of minerals, chemical messengers, nutrients and waste products.
The cartilage is a supportive specialised connective tissue that is composed of chondrocytes and the matrix secreted by them. It is found on the tip of the nose, some external ear joints and in between each vertebrae of the vertebral column. Similarly, blood which is a fluid specialised connective tissue is composed of blood cells and platelets. It helps in the circulation of various substances throughout the body.
Connective Tissue Proper vs Specialised Connective Tissue
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Connective Tissue Proper |
Specialised Connective Tissue |
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Description |
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Connective tissue proper is a kind of connective tissue that is of two types loose and dense connective tissue. |
Specialised connective tissues are composed of specialised cells and unique ground substances. |
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Function |
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It provides mechanical and structural support to the tissues. |
It protects the body from microbe attacks and helps in transportation of nutrients. |
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Examples |
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Tendons and ligaments |
Cartilage, bone, blood and lymph. |
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Frequently Asked Questions on Difference between Connective Tissue Proper and Specialised Connective Tissue
Why is blood a connective tissue?
First of all, blood originates from the mesodermal germ layer that is the common site of development for connective tissues. Secondly, blood helps in bringing the body systems together and in transport of minerals and nutrients.
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