The part of a person or an animal which consists of numerous cells and whose function is to support bodily organs, form ligaments and tendons, and fill spaces between the body parts of a physical structure: There are a number of examples of connective tissues; including bones, tendons, outer layers of the skin, and fatty cells.

One of the important elements of connective tissues involves cartilage which is a rubber-like padding that covers and protects the ends of long bones at the joints, and is a structural component of the rib cage, the ears, the nose, the bronchial tubes, the intervertebral discs, and many other components of the physical system.