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AAT Bioquest

Which kind of connective tissue is referred to as fluids connective tissue?

Posted December 22, 2023


Answer

Blood and lymph are the fluid connective tissues. They are composed of a liquid extracellular matrix in which cells circulate. 

  • Blood consists of plasma and specialized cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The main function of blood is to transport oxygen and nutrients to cells. Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to body cells that utilize oxygen to form ATP during cellular respiration. White blood cells protect against harmful pathogens, and platelets are involved in blood clotting. Nutrients, wastes, and salts are dissolved in the liquid matrix and circulated throughout the body via blood circulation. 
  • Lymph, a fluid similar to blood plasma, also contains white blood cells and a liquid matrix. These cells are key in the adaptive immune response. Lymphocytes exist in 2 main types: B and T cells. Both have a large nucleus and thin cytoplasm, but differ in substances they release. Lymphatic capillaries have high permeability, permitting large molecules and excess fluids from tissues to enter these vessels. Lymph transports substances back into the bloodstream through drainage into blood vessels. It plays a key role in absorbing fats from the intestine and transporting them to the blood.  
Additional resources

8.24: Fluid Connective Tissues: Blood and Lymph

Cell Structures and Organelles

Cell Meter™ Fixed Cell and Tissue TUNEL Apoptosis Assay Kit *Blue Fluorescence*