The combination of fibers and ground substance in supporting connective tissues is known as
A) cytoplasm.
B) extracellular matrix.
C) blood.
D) mucous.
E) micelles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The combination of fibers (such as collagen, elastic, or reticular fibers) and ground substance (a gel-like substance that fills the space between cells) in supporting connective tissues is known as extracellular matrix, or ECM. This term reflects the fact that these materials are located outside of cells, in the extracellular space. Other components of ECM may include glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and other molecules that help maintain the tissue structure, provide mechanical strength, or facilitate cell signaling. Examples of supporting connective tissues include bone, cartilage, dense regular and irregular connective tissue, and adipose tissue.

The Combination of Fibers and Ground Substance in Supporting Connective