Characteristics:
1. It consists of a variety of cells and fibres which are embedded in the abundant intercellular substance called matrix.
2. It is a highly vascular tissue, except cartilage.
3. The connective tissue is classified on the basis of matrix present, into three types, namely connective tissue proper, supporting connective tissue and fluid connective tissue.
a. Connective tissue proper is further classified as loose connective tissue (e.g. areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue) and dense connective tissue (e.g. ligament and tendon).
b. Supporting connective tissue also called skeletal tissue includes cartilage and bone.
c. Fluid connective tissue includes blood and lymph.
