Human Anatomy Part 1 - K. A. Dyubenko, A. K. Kolomiysev, Yu. B. Chaykovsky 2002

General Part
Structure of the Human Body
Tissues - Connective Tissue

Connective Tissue is formed during embryonic development from the mesenchyme. It performs A number of vital Functions in the body:

- mechanical support - arising from the fact that connective tissue serves as the structural framework for the entire body (the Skeleton) and the majority of Organs;

- trophic (metabolic) - determined by the fact that connective tissue accompanies Blood Vessels everywhere (down to the smallest capillaries) and acts as an intermediary in metabolic processes between the blood and other organ Tissues.

- protective - dependent on the presence of phagocytes in the connective tissue, which actively participate in immune responses.

- reparative (plastic) - manifested by the active involvement of connective tissue in regeneration processes (restoring the integrity of tissues and organs following injury or disease).

Connective tissue accounts for more than half of the body weight, and its degree of development progressively increases throughout the evolution of vertebrates. According to Academician O. O. Bohomolets, connective tissue forms a unified system of widespread distribution, characterized by rapid Cell proliferation and migration to required areas of the body, cell interaction, and active participation in regenerative phenomena and immune responses.

A distinctive structural feature of connective tissue is the presence, alongside Cells, of a highly developed Extracellular matrix (amorphous ground substance and fibers). Based on The Structure of this extracellular matrix, the MAIN TYPES OF connective tissue can be distinguished:

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Last update: 08/08/2026

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