In biology, the<unk>  <unk>  is the<unk>  part of animal tissue that usually provides structural support to the cells in addition to performing various other important functions. The<unk>  is the defining feature of connective tissue in animals.<unk>  includes the interstitial<unk>  and the basement membrane. Interstitial<unk>  is present between various cells (i.e., in the intercellular spaces) . Gels of polysaccharides and fibrous proteins fill the interstitial space and act as a compression buffer against the stress placed on the<unk> . Basement membranes are sheet-like depositions of<unk>  on which various epithelial cells rest.
Extracellular matrix
Connective tissue
Membrane skeleton
Reticular fiber
Pulmonary surfactant
Association fiber
Cell junction
Internal elastic lamina