Question

What is skeletal connective tissue? Give its functions.

Answer 1

Hint: Connective tissues mainly consist of fibres, like elastic and collagenous fibres, cells and other substances. Different cells which are present in the connective tissues are mast cells, macrophages, leucocytes of the immune system and adipocytes, fibroblast, etc.

Complete Answer:
Skeletal connective tissues are a type of connective tissues which is present below the ectoderm and they consist of a solid matrix which is a complex layer of fibres.
There are different types of connective tissues which can be found in the different parts of the body.
1. Collagenous fibres - These help in the connecting bones to the other tissue types. Components which are present in the collagenous fibres connective tissues are alpha polypeptide chains. They are present in the tendon, ligament, skin, cornea of the eye, blood vessels and intervertebral disc.
2. Elastic fibres - These tissues help in the connections of arteries to the lungs and mainly found in the extracellular matrix.
3. Reticular fibres - These tissues are involved in the scaffolding of the other cells and present in the liver, bone marrow and other lymphatic organs.

Functions of the connective tissues:
- It helps in separating different organs.
- Helps in connecting different tissues to one another like tendons and ligaments.
- It also can work as storage components in adipose tissues and in bones.
- It helps in the transportation and protection in blood tissues.
- It helps in supporting and movement of joints and cartilage.

Note: There are four main types of tissues present in the animal body which are epithelial tissues, muscle tissues, nervous tissues and connective tissues. Fibres present in these tissues are not flexible but helps in changing shape and movements.