What component of connective tissue is found between the cells and fibers and supports them?

The correct answer is ground substance, which plays a crucial role in the structure and function of connective tissue. Ground substance is the gel-like material found in the extracellular matrix that fills the spaces between the cells and fibers. It is composed of water, proteins, and polysaccharides, which provide a medium for nutrient and waste exchange and serve as a support system for the cells and fibers within the connective tissue.

Ground substance functions to maintain the structural integrity of connective tissue by allowing for flexibility and strength, which is essential for the tissue's overall role in providing support and protection within the body. Additionally, it helps to store water, which is vital for tissue hydration and cellular activities.

The choices that do not align with the definition of this component include the basement membrane, which refers specifically to a thin layer that anchors epithelial tissue to underlying connective tissue; formed elements, which indicate components of blood such as red blood cells and white blood cells; and matrix, which generally refers to the overall structural framework of tissue but does not specifically denote the supportive gel-like component that directly interacts with cells and fibers.