How can connective tissues be classified?

Connective tissues can be broadly classified into 3 types: connective tissue proper, supportive connective tissue, and fluid connective tissue. 

• Connective tissue proper consists of both loose and dense connective tissue and is mainly responsible for connecting different tissues in the body. 
• Loose connective tissue functions to support and hold organs, tissue, and structures in place. It has a prominent extracellular matrix and its fibers are widely spaced. 
• Dense connective tissue has a denser network of fibers, categorized as regular, irregular, or elastic. 
• Supporting connective tissue includes bone and cartilage. 
• Bone is known for its rigid and calcified matrix due to calcium salt deposits. Soft bone appears spongy and has pores, while compact bone is solid and offers greater structural strength.
• Cartilage has a matrix rich in collagen, proteoglycans, and elastic fibers. It retains chondrocyte cells within small spaces known as lacunae. Cartilage comes in 3 forms: hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage.  
• Fluid connective tissues include blood and lymph, each possessing a liquid extracellular matrix which holds various cells. These cells originate from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Both the blood and lymph play vital roles in wound healing, the immune response, and the transportation of nutrients and wastes throughout the body.