The matrix of blood is plasma, which carries red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Cartilage consists of chondrocytes in lacunae, in a collagen matrix. In bone, osteocytes communicate through canaliculi. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts tear down and rebuild bone tissue. Osteoprogenitor cells can become osteoblasts.
Bone matrix consists of collagen and minerals.
Neurons and neuroglia constitute nervous tissue. A neuron has a cell body, an axon, and dendrites and functions in communication. Neuroglia support neurons. Muscle tissue provides movement when filaments of actin and myosin slide past one another. Contractile cells include skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle cells and myoepithelial cells.