Structure and Function of Musculoskeletal Tissues, Connective Tissue, and Spine

Connective tissue consists of ligaments, tendons and muscle, and cartilage. These tissues are essential for joint motion and consist primarily of an extracellular matrix (ECM) comprising collagen and proteoglycans distributed within water and cells. As seen in Table 11.1, the type of connective tissue is dešned by the relative quantities of collagen, proteoglycans, and water.