Many other animals secrete mucus or other materials from their skin, such as earthworms do. Collagen fibers provide elasticity and flexibility. LCT occurs beneath epithelium in skin and many internal organs, such as lungs, arteries and the urinary bladder. This tissue type also forms a protective layer over muscle, nerves, and blood vessels. Adipose tissue has enlarged fibroblasts storing fats and reduced intracellular matrix.
Adipose tissue facilitates energy storage and insulation.
Fibrous Connective Tissue has many fibers of collagen closely packed together. FCT occurs in tendons , which connect muscle to bone. Ligaments are also composed of FCT and connect bone to bone at a joint. Cartilage has structural proteins deposited in the matrix between cells. Cartilage is the softer of the two.