connective tissue

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. a tissue, usually of mesoblastic origin, that connects, supports, or surrounds other tissues, organs, etc.

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connective tissue British  

noun

1. an animal tissue developed from the embryonic mesoderm that consists of collagen or elastic fibres, fibroblasts, fatty cells, etc, within a jelly-like matrix. It supports organs, fills the spaces between them, and forms tendons and ligaments

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connective tissue Scientific  

/ kə-nĕk′tĭv /

1. 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.

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connective tissue Cultural  

1. Body tissue that serves to connect or support other tissues or parts. Cartilage, tendons, and bone are all kinds of connective tissue.

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Etymology

Origin of connective tissue

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Once immune cells arrive, they interact with fibroblasts, which are connective tissue cells that normally help maintain balance and protect the joint.

From Science Daily

The researchers examined 24 pancreatic cancer samples and found that the stroma, the connective tissue that supports the tumor, plays an active role in cancer progression rather than serving as a passive structure.

From Science Daily

"Collagen is a protein found throughout the body, including in skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues."

From Science Daily

Responding to the allegation that his mayoral bid was an attempt to publicize his book, Pratt tells the Los Angeles Times that each event occurred independently of each other, though there is some connective tissue.

From Los Angeles Times

"Our observations are consistent across multiple length scales and link connective tissue stiffening to altered biochemical signaling in cancer cells."

From Science Daily