Ground substance
Encyclopedia
Ground substance is a term for the non-cellular components of extracellular matrix
which contain the fibers.
It is usually not visible on slides, because it is removed during the preparation process.
Cells are surrounded by extracellular matrix in tissues, which acts as a support for the cells. Ground substance traditionally does not include collagen but does include all the other proteinaceous components, including proteoglycans, matrix proteins and, most prevalent, water. The non-collagenous components of extracellular matrix
will vary depending on the tissue in which it is found.
Ground substance is amorphous, gel-like, and is primarily composed of glycosaminoglycans (most notably hyaluronan
), proteoglycans, and glycoproteins.
It is a connective tissue and along with Collagen Type 1 can be mineralized which is the form found in bone.
The meaning of the term has evolved over time.
Extracellular matrix
In biology, the extracellular matrix is the extracellular part of animal tissue that usually provides structural support to the animal cells in addition to performing various other important functions. The extracellular matrix is the defining feature of connective tissue in animals.Extracellular...
which contain the fibers.
It is usually not visible on slides, because it is removed during the preparation process.
Cells are surrounded by extracellular matrix in tissues, which acts as a support for the cells. Ground substance traditionally does not include collagen but does include all the other proteinaceous components, including proteoglycans, matrix proteins and, most prevalent, water. The non-collagenous components of extracellular matrix
Extracellular matrix
In biology, the extracellular matrix is the extracellular part of animal tissue that usually provides structural support to the animal cells in addition to performing various other important functions. The extracellular matrix is the defining feature of connective tissue in animals.Extracellular...
will vary depending on the tissue in which it is found.
Ground substance is amorphous, gel-like, and is primarily composed of glycosaminoglycans (most notably hyaluronan
Hyaluronan
Hyaluronan is an anionic, nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan distributed widely throughout connective, epithelial, and neural tissues...
), proteoglycans, and glycoproteins.
It is a connective tissue and along with Collagen Type 1 can be mineralized which is the form found in bone.
The meaning of the term has evolved over time.
External links
- Diagram at mhhe.com - "Umbilical Cord"