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Connective Tissue: Matrix and Fiber Types

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Connective tissue combines living cells with a nonliving matrix, reinforced by collagen fibers for strength, elastic fibers for stretch, or reticular fibers forming a supportive network.

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Tendons pack dense, parallel collagen fibers for strength; cartilage embeds fewer fibers in a flexible matrix.

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Blood counts as connective tissue too — its matrix is plasma, a fluid rather than a solid.