Overview
Connective tissue provides structural support and transmits mechanical forces across the body. It includes collagen rich tendons ligaments cartilage and extracellular matrix components that determine tissue resilience. Connective tissue disorders affect mobility stability and organ support.
Collagen and Matrix
Collagen fibers provide tensile strength while proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans confer compressive resistance. Matrix remodeling occurs in development repair and disease. Genetic and acquired defects alter tissue mechanics and healing.
Cartilage Tendon and Ligament
Articular cartilage cushions joints tendons transmit muscle force to bone and ligaments stabilize joints. Vascular supply and cellularity differ across tissues influencing repair capacity. Imaging MRI and ultrasound assess integrity and degeneration.
Clinical Relevance
Connective tissue diseases include Ehlers Danlos osteoarthritis tendinopathy and ligament tears. Imaging guides diagnosis and surgical planning while rehabilitation restores function. Tissue engineering and biologic therapies aim to enhance repair.