ground substance

noun, Biology
1.
Also called matrix. the homogeneous substance in which the fibers and cells of connective tissue are embedded.
2.
Also called hyaloplasm. the clear portion of the cell cytoplasm; cytosol.
Origin
1880-85
ground substance in Medicine

ground substance n.

  1. The amorphous intercellular material in which the cells and fibers of connective tissue are embedded, composed of proteoglycans, plasma constituents, metabolites, water, and ions present between cells and fibers. Also called matrix.

  2. See hyaloplasm.

ground substance in Science
ground substance  

  1. The intercellular material in which the cells and fibers of connective tissue are embedded, composed largely of glycosaminoglycans, metabolites, water, and ions.

  2. The clear, fluid portion of cytoplasm as distinguished from the organelles and other cell components.


Encyclopedia Article for ground substance

an amorphous gel-like substance present in the composition of the various connective tissues. It is most clearly seen in cartilage, in the vitreous humour of the eye, and in the Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord. It is transparent or translucent and viscous in composition; the main chemical components of ground substance are large carbohydrates and proteins known as acid mucopolysaccharides, or glycoaminoglycans. See also collagen.

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