ABSTRACT
Connective tissues are supporting tissues containing extracellular matrix and cells. The extracellular matrix is made of collagen, elastins and ‘ground substance’. They make up about 70 per cent of body mass. They function to hold organs together and may degenerate with age, hence they are involved in many disease processes (3). Generalized connective tissues include fibroblasts (present in fascias, tendons and ligaments). Cartilage is a special connective tissue, containing chondrocytes which control the extracellular matrix. It is divided into three types:
• Hyaline cartilage: is found in most synovial joint surfaces and anterior ends of the first to tenth ribs • Fibrocartilage: can be found in intervertebral discs. It contains collagen, making it flexible with a high
tensile strength • Elastic cartilage: contains elastic fibres. It can be found in the pinna of the ear, nose and larynx.
