Fibers are a major component of loose connective tissues. Elastin fibers provide elasticity and flexability to the tissue. Reticulin fibers are a type of collagen which form a 3-dimensional scaffold within the tissue. Ground substance plays an important role in loose connective tissue.
Ground substance has the consistency of a semi-fluid gel.
The gel-like consistency helps control the spread of pathogens. Cells of several types are present in loose connective tissue. These cells may be flattened or spindle-shaped. They secrete and maintain the extracellular matrix. These cells can change shape and move through the connective tissue matrix.