Connective Tissue
Connective tissue is a type of biological tissue that serves to support, bind together, and protect organs. Immune Attack’s in-game encyclopedia includes the following connective tissue content:
| What are fibroblasts? | Fibroblasts serve as a versatile constructor and repairer. They are a type of stem cell which circulates through the tissue and can transform into many different types of cells. This allows them to repair damage to connective tissues (like elastin) or to heal wounds as scar tissue. |
| What do fibroblasts do? | Fibroblasts are the most abundant cells in connective tissue. In between the organs and tissue in your body there is a support system of connective tissue that holds everything together and gives it shape. Fibroblasts produce the strong and springy fibers that make up this support system. |
| What do endothelial cells do? | Endothelial cells form the inside of blood vessels and control what flows in and out of the blood vessels. They also send signals to the muscles surrounding the blood vessels; these muscles can squeeze the vessel and thus help regulate blood flow. |
| How long do endothelial cells live? | Usually endothelial cells can live anywhere from months to years, depending on their location in the body. They are replaced much more quickly in the liver and lung than in the brain or muscle. |
| What do fat cells do? | Fat cells act as storage for the body. They are adjustable reserves, first taking in and storing energy as fat, and then releasing the fat when it is needed. |
| How are fat cells created? | Fat cells are one of the many types of connective tissue cells that are developed from fibroblasts. |
| What are collagen fibers? | Collagen fibers are a type of loose connective tissue made of collagen and consisting of bundles of fibrils; fibrils are coils of collagen molecules. Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in animals and the most abundant protein in mammals. |
| What is elastin? | Elastin is a protein in connective tissue that is elastic and allows many tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting. Elastin helps skin to return to its original position when it is poked or pinched. |
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