connective tissue

connective tissue   n.  Tissue arising chiefly from the embryonic mesoderm that is characterized by a highly vascular matrix and includes collagenous, elastic, and reticular fibers, adipose tissue, cartilage, and bone. It forms the supporting and connecting structures of the body.

Main Entry: con·nec·tive tissue
Pronunciation: k&-"nek-tiv-
Function: noun
: a tissue of mesodermal origin rich in intercellular substanceor interlacing processes with little tendency for the cells to come together in sheets or masses; specifically : connective tissue of stellate or spindle-shaped cells with interlacingprocesses that pervades, supports, and binds together other tissues and forms ligaments, tendons, and aponeuroses

connective tissue con·nec·tive tissue (kə-něk'tĭv)
n.
The supporting or framework tissue of the body, arising chiefly from the embryonic mesoderm and including collagenous, elastic and reticular fibers, adipose tissue, cartilage, and bone. Also called interstitial tissue.

connective tissue   (kə-něk'tĭv)  Pronunciation Key  Tissue that connects, supports, binds, or encloses the structures of the body. Connective tissues are made up of cells embedded in an extracellular matrix and include bones, cartilage, mucous membranes, fat, and blood.