Abstract
The connective tissue, composed of cells and extracellular matrix, forms a framework designated as stroma, which connects and supports all other tissues of the body. However, it is not only an inert scaffolding to stabilize other tissues and organs, but is dynamic and the site of multiple regulatory processes involved in tissue organization, development, wound healing, immune response, and organ repair. The extracellular matrix is constantly renewed and molecules of the extracellular matrix modulate the functional activities of cells. They also play key roles in disease processes, including inflammatory and degenerative diseases and cancer. The matrix is involved in tumor invasion, metastasis, and tumor angiogenesis.
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© 2015 Springer-Verlag Vienna
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Pavelka, M., Roth, J. (2015). Connective Tissue. In: Functional Ultrastructure. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1830-6_22
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1830-6_22
Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna
Print ISBN: 978-3-7091-1829-0
Online ISBN: 978-3-7091-1830-6
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