Which component of the extracellular matrix provides the 'turgor' or hydration that fills the small gaps between collagen bundles?
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Correct answer: Ground substance
Ground substance consists of proteoglycans and GAGs that attract water. In dense tissues, the amount of ground substance is low, but it is still essential for the diffusion of nutrients to the fibroblasts.
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More Dense Irregular Connective Tissue questions
- Dense irregular connective tissue is found in the 'tunica albuginea' of which organ?
- Compared to dense regular connective tissue (like a tendon), dense irregular connective tissue has:
- The 'sclera' of the eye is an example of:
- Which hormone is known to increase the degradation of collagen in dense irregular connective tissues during pregnancy?
- Under high magnification, fibroblasts in dense irregular connective tissue appear as:
- Which of the following structures is NOT primarily composed of dense irregular connective tissue?