Soft tissue structure

Soft tissue structure refers collectively to the tissues in the body that are not hardened by calcification (bone) or lined by epithelium. This includes muscle tissue, tendons, ligaments, fibrous tissue, fasciae, fat (adipose tissue), synovial membranes, blood vessels, and peripheral nerves. These tissues are composed primarily of collagen, elastin, and other components of the extracellular matrix, and are populated by various mesenchymal cell types such as fibroblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and peripheral nerve cells. Soft tissues provide physical support, flexible strength, protection for organs, transmission of mechanical forces, and contribute to repair and structural integrity. They are essential to mobility, vascular health, organ stability, wound healing, and energy storage. Disease processes in soft tissue include injuries, fibrotic conditions, and tumors such as soft tissue sarcomas.

Other names

Soft tissueConnective tissue (context-dependent)Mesenchymal tissue (in some histology sources)