ground substance

views updated May 14 2018

ground substance The matrix of connective tissue, in which various cells and fibres are embedded. The ground substance of cartilage consists of chondrin. See extracellular matrix.

ground substance

views updated May 17 2018

ground substance The amorphous, transparent, extracellular organic material, found in connective tissue, which acts as a matrix within which a variety of fibres and cells are embedded. Most of it consists of acidic polysaccharides bound to proteins that endow it with substantial mechanical properties. These same properties also allow it to act as a barrier to bacterial infections.

ground substance

views updated Jun 11 2018

ground substance (grownd) n. see connective tissue.