Definition of "connective tissue" [connective tissue]

• Tissue arising chiefly from the embryonic mesoderm that is characterized by a highly vascular matrix and includes collagenous, elastic, and reticular fibers, adipose tissue, cartilage, and bone. It forms the supporting and connecting structures of the body. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Nonsurgical removal of scar tissue and tough connective tissue"
• "A progressive autoimmune disease in which the immune cells attack the connective tissue in the body—the collagen within human skin and tissue as well as the elastin in the ligaments that connect bones—scleroderma can leave damaging scar tissue in the skin as well as organs."
• "BioSil is the most bio-available form of silicon, which not only has body-wide connective tissue benefits, but also increases collagen content in the skin, strengthens nails, and strengthens the hair by improving keratin integrity."