Final answer:
The ground substance of connective tissue is made up of water, polysaccharides, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins. These components contribute to the fluidity, viscosity, hydration, and resilience of the tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ground substance of connective tissue is made up of several components, including water, polysaccharides, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins.
Water is an essential component of the ground substance and helps maintain the fluidity of the tissue.
Polysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid, form a gel-like structure that gives the ground substance its viscosity. Proteoglycans, which consist of polysaccharide chains linked to proteins, contribute to the hydration and resilience of the tissue.
Glycoproteins are also present in the ground substance and play a role in cell adhesion and signaling.