Holding things together
Tap your shin, the front of your lower leg. It is hard. Pinch the tip of your nose. It bends and goes back to its shape.
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Step 1 of 4
- Two parts, with a gap between them.
- Material fills the gap, joining the parts.
- Cells sit apart, inside the material.
- This is connective tissue.
Rule
Connective tissue joins and supports other tissues. Its matrix decides how hard or soft it is.
- Connective tissue — tissue that connects and supports other tissues.
- Matrix — the material between the cells of a tissue.
Fibres are thin, strong threads.
| Tissue | Matrix | Job |
|---|---|---|
| Blood | A watery fluid | Carries oxygen, food and waste around |
| Bone | Hard, made stiff by calcium and phosphorus | Gives shape and strength |
| Cartilage | Firm but springy | Pads the ends of bones |
| Tendon | Strong, tough fibres | Joins muscle to bone |
| Ligament | Strong, tough fibres | Joins bone to bone |
Your shin has bone, which is hard. Your nose tip has cartilage, which is firm but springy.