Connective tissue is one of the four primary types of animal tissue and serves to support, bind, or separate other tissues and organs. It is characterized by having cells scattered within an abundant extracellular matrix, which can be rigid, flexible, or liquid. The matrix itself is composed of ground substance and various structural fibers, primarily collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers, which determine the tissue's mechanical properties. Specific types include loose connective tissue, which provides flexible support; dense regular connective tissue, found in structures like tendons and ligaments, which resists tension; and cartilage and bone, which provide structural support and mineral hardness. This diverse composition allows connective tissues to fulfill roles ranging from mechanical support and physical protection to specialized functions like blood transport.