Loose connective tissue has cells and fibres loosely arranged in a semi-fluid ground substance, for example, areolar tissue present beneath the skin. Often it serves as a support framework for epithelium. It contains fibroblasts (cells that produce and secrete fibres), macrophages and mast cells. Collagen or elastin fibres along with a semi-fluid ground substance called the matrix is found all connective tissues.
Chondrocytes or cartilage cells comprise the intercellular material of cartilage, which is solid and pliable and resists compression. These cells are enclosed in small cavities within the matrix secreted by them.