Animal Tissues - Connective Tissue

Connective tissues are characterised by an abundant extracellular matrix in which cells and fibres are embedded, and NCERT groups them into loose, dense and specialised types. Areolar tissue is a loose connective tissue present beneath the skin and between organs, where fibroblasts, mast cells and macrophages lie scattered in a semi-fluid matrix that also contains collagen and elastin fibres; it serves as a support framework and joins skin to muscles. Adipose tissue is also loose but is dominated by fat-storing adipocytes whose cytoplasm is filled with lipid droplets, so its defining feature is storage rather than a fibre-rich packing matrix. Hyaline cartilage is a specialised supportive tissue with a solid yet pliable chondrin matrix housing chondrocytes in lacunae, not a semi-fluid ground substance. Compact bone has a hard, calcium-salt-impregnated matrix arranged in Haversian systems, clearly distinct from the soft packing tissue described. As described in NCERT Class 11, Chapter 7, areolar tissue acts as the most widely distributed packing and supporting tissue. A logical check confirms only a soft, fibre-containing filler tissue fits the subcutaneous packing role.