HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What components make up the extracellular matrix?

1. Adipose tissue, collagen fibers, and muscle fibers

2. Collagen fibers, ground substance, and tissue fluid

3. Neurons, cartilage, and epithelial cells

4. Bone marrow, blood, and lymph

The correct answer is: Collagen fibers, ground substance, and tissue fluid

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a crucial component of tissue structure and function, consisting primarily of three fundamental components: collagen fibers, ground substance, and tissue fluid. Collagen fibers provide structural support and strength, making them essential for maintaining the tissue's integrity and resilience. Ground substance, which is a gel-like component of the ECM, consists of various proteins and carbohydrates, acting as a medium through which nutrients and waste can diffuse. Tissue fluid, also known as interstitial fluid, fills the spaces between cells and provides an environment rich in nutrients and signaling molecules, facilitating communication and transport within tissues. These components work together to create a supportive network that not only binds cells together but also plays a significant role in regulating various cellular functions. The other options presented contain elements that do not accurately represent the primary constituents of the extracellular matrix. For instance, adipose tissue and muscle fibers are types of tissues but are not components of the ECM itself, while neurons and epithelial cells are specific cell types rather than structural components of the ECM.