Match each of the following characteristics with the correct connective tissue. Drag the terms on the left to the appropriate blanks on the right to complete the sentences. ResetHelp : parallel arrangement of collagen fibers. : transports oxygen and hormones. : contains chondrocytes. : stores minerals. : random arrangement of collagen fibers. : cushions and insulates.

- Parallel arrangement of collagen fibers: Dense regular connective tissue (CT)

- Transports oxygen and hormones: Bood

- Contains chondrocytes: Cartilage

- Stores minerals: Bone

- Random arrangement of collagen fibers: Dense irregular connective tissue (CT)

- Cushions and insulates: Adipose tissue

Explanation:

The dense regular connective tissue (CT) is a type of connective tissue composed of collagen fibers arranged in a parallel pattern which provides a strong association between tissues (e.g., tendons and ligaments). Conversely, in dense irregular connective tissue, collagen fibers are not arranged in parallel bundles (e.g., the dermis in the skin and lamina propria in the gastrointestinal tract). Cartilage is a type of flexible connective tissue composed of chondrocytes, the unique type of cells in cartilage tissues. Chondrocytes are responsible to produce and maintain the collagen extracellular matrix (ECM) which is composed mainly of collagen and proteoglycans (proteins coated with sugar molecules). Bone is a type of connective tissue composed of cells (i.e., osteoblasts, bone lining cells, osteocytes, and osteoclasts), fibers and ground substance. Bones have many functions including, among others, store minerals (calcium and phosphate), protect internal organs, allow movement, provide internal support, etc. Blood is a type of connective tissue (because blood has a matrix) whose main function is to transport oxygen (O2) and essential substances (e.g., nutrients, hormones, etc) to the tissues, and carbon dioxide (CO2) from the tissues to the lungs. Blood contains two different types of cells: red blood cells (i.e., erythrocytes) and white blood cells (i.e., leukocytes). Finally, adipose tissue is a special type of connective tissue in the subcutaneous layer that helps to cushion and insulate the body (providing insulation from heat and cold). Adipose tissue is composed mostly of adipocytes, which are cells that store energy in the form of lipid molecules.