Connective tissue has its cells embedded in an intercellular matrix that makes up most of its total volume. The matrix can be liquid, solid, or semisolid. Two main types of connective tissue are vascular tissue and supporting tissue. Vascular tissue consists of blood and lymph. Supporting tissue includes connective tissue proper, cartilage, and bone.

Blood is a vascular connective tissue with a liquid matrix, called plasma. Three types of cells are found in blood: red blood cells (erythrocytes) that carry oxygen, white blood cells (leukocytes) that combat disease, and platelets that aid in clotting. Blood carries food and oxygen to the cells of the body and removes wastes. Unlike the other connective tissues, blood cells do not produce their own matrix.

The matrix of connective tissue proper contains three types of fibers: collagen, elastic, and reticular. Collagen fibers (white fibers) contain a protein called collagen and...