Which of the following is not a component of connective tissue?

Which of the following is not a component of connective tissue?

• A. Ground substance
• B. Cells
• C. Nerve tissue
• D. Collagen fibers

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is what makes up connective tissue. Connective tissue is built around a matrix that includes ground substance, fibers, and cells embedded in that matrix. Ground substance is the gel-like material that fills space and allows diffusion; fibers like collagen provide strength and form the supportive framework; the cells (such as fibroblasts and others) maintain and repair the matrix. Nerve tissue, in contrast, is a different tissue type whose primary components are neurons and glial cells specialized for signaling, not organized around that extracellular matrix structure. Nerve tissue isn’t a constituent part of connective tissue, even though nerves may be surrounded by connective tissue.

The main idea here is what makes up connective tissue. Connective tissue is built around a matrix that includes ground substance, fibers, and cells embedded in that matrix. Ground substance is the gel-like material that fills space and allows diffusion; fibers like collagen provide strength and form the supportive framework; the cells (such as fibroblasts and others) maintain and repair the matrix. Nerve tissue, in contrast, is a different tissue type whose primary components are neurons and glial cells specialized for signaling, not organized around that extracellular matrix structure. Nerve tissue isn’t a constituent part of connective tissue, even though nerves may be surrounded by connective tissue.