PHYSICAL WELLNESS

the body’s support system

CONNECTIVE TISSUE

Connective tissue is like the scaffolding and glue of your body. It surrounds, supports, and connects muscles, bones, and organs, helping them maintain shape, stability, and proper function. Without it, muscles couldn’t attach properly, joints wouldn’t stay aligned, and your body would lack structural integrity.

  • Surrounds muscles to provide support and protection

  • Connects muscles to bones via tendons

  • Cushions joints and organs

  • Stores energy and provides elasticity

  • Helps repair tissue after injury

CONNECTIVE TISSUE BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for connective tissue related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Connective Tissue - Tissue that supports, binds, or separates other tissues and organs

Tendons - Connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone

Ligaments - Connective tissue that attaches bone to bone

Fascia - Thin sheets of connective tissue surrounding muscles, nerves, and organs

Cartilage - Flexible tissue that cushions joints and supports structures like the nose and ears

Extracellular Matrix - The “scaffolding” outside cells that provides structure and support

WHAT CONNECTIVE TISSUE WORKS WITH

CONNECTIVE TISSUE + OTHER SYSTEMS

  1. Muscular System → Provides the framework and support muscles need to contract effectively

  2. Skeletal System → Connects bones and muscles, stabilizing joints

  3. Tendons & Ligaments → Specialized connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and bones to bones

  4. Nervous System → Protects nerves traveling through muscles and joints

  5. Circulatory System → Supplies nutrients and removes waste for connective tissue health

HealthY CONNECTIVE TISSUE…

Connective tissue is the unsung hero of your muscular system. It ensures muscles can move bones safely, keeps joints stable, cushions impact, and maintains overall structural integrity. Healthy connective tissue is essential for movement, strength, and resilience.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDERS

Muscles rely on connective tissues for strength and stability. When these tissues are fragile or overly stretchy (as in Ehlers-Danlos or Marfan syndrome), muscles may overcompensate — leading to fatigue, spasms, or chronic pain.
🔗 [Learn more about connective tissue disorders →]