Which of the following is not a characteristic of connective tissue?

• A. Connective tissue has a rich supply of blood vessels.
• B. Connective tissue provides support and protection to organs.
• C. Connective tissue contains various types of cells and fibers.
• D. Connective tissue cells are tightly packed with little extracellular matrix.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the general characteristics of connective tissue. Connective tissue typically has a rich supply of blood vessels, provides support and protection to organs, and contains various types of cells and fibers.
2. Recognize that connective tissue is known for having a significant amount of extracellular matrix, which is the non-cellular component that provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells.
3. Identify that connective tissue cells are usually not tightly packed. Instead, they are often spread out within the extracellular matrix, which distinguishes them from epithelial tissue where cells are tightly packed.
4. Compare the given options with the known characteristics of connective tissue. The option stating that connective tissue cells are tightly packed with little extracellular matrix contradicts the typical structure of connective tissue.
5. Conclude that the characteristic of connective tissue cells being tightly packed with little extracellular matrix is not true for connective tissue, making it the correct answer to the question.