Jan 2, 2014
Connective Tissues: Extracellular Matrix
Ground substance is the shapeless background against which cells and collagen fibers can be seen when using a light microscope. Although ground substance appears shapeless, the molecules within it are highly structured. Proteoglycans resemble the limbs of pine trees, with proteins forming the branches and polysaccharides forming the pine needles. This structure enable proteoglycans to trap large quantities of water between the polysaccharides.