Question Details

The largest extracellular material present in the

Options

A

Stratified epithelium

B

Striated muscle

C

Myelinated nerve fibres

D

Areolar tissue

Correct Answer :

Areolar tissue

Solution :

The correct answer is Areolar tissue.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Understanding Extracellular Material:
Extracellular material (or extracellular matrix - ECM) refers to the collection of extracellular molecules secreted by cells that provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells. It consists of protein fibers (such as collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers) and ground substance (a fluid or gel-like substance containing water, glycosaminoglycans, and glycoproteins).

2. Analyzing the Options:
- Stratified epithelium: Epithelial tissues are characterized by closely packed cells with very little extracellular material between them.
- Striated muscle: Muscle tissue consists primarily of tightly packed muscle fibers (cells) designed for contraction, with minimal extracellular matrix (mostly thin layers of connective tissue surrounding the muscle fibers).
- Myelinated nerve fibres: Nervous tissue is composed of densely packed neurons and glial cells, containing minimal extracellular space and matrix.
- Areolar tissue: Areolar tissue is a type of loose connective tissue. Connective tissues, by definition, have cells that are widely separated by an abundant, extensive extracellular matrix. In areolar tissue, the matrix contains a loose arrangement of fibers (collagen, elastic, and reticular) and a semi-fluid ground substance, making it the tissue with the largest proportion of extracellular material among the given choices.

3. Conclusion:
Because areolar tissue is a loose connective tissue, it contains a significant amount of extracellular matrix relative to its cellular content, far exceeding that found in epithelial, muscle, or nervous tissues.

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