The primary functions of connective tissues include:
- Transportation of nutrients and metabolites through direct diffusion between organs and connective tissue proper
- Immunological defense (fights invading cells via inflammation)
- Structural support
- Tissue repair (after injury)
Additional functions found in specific body sites include:
- Energy storage (fat)
- Heat generation (brown fat)
- Hematopoiesis/hemopoiesis (blood formation)
