<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Anatomical terms of microanatomy (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> In biology, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a collection of extracellular molecules secreted by support cells that provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells . Because multicellularity evolved independently in different multicellular lineages, the composition of ECM varies between multicellular structures; however, cell adhesion, cell - to - cell communication and differentiation are common functions of the ECM . </P> <P> The animal extracellular matrix includes the interstitial matrix and the basement membrane . Interstitial matrix is present between various animal 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 ECM . Basement membranes are sheet - like depositions of ECM on which various epithelial cells rest . Each type of connective tissue in animals has a type of ECM: collagen fibers and bone mineral comprise the ECM of bone tissue; reticular fibers and ground substance comprise the ECM of loose connective tissue; and blood plasma is the ECM of blood . </P> <P> The plant ECM includes cell wall components, like cellulose, in addition to more complex signaling molecules . Some single - celled organisms adopt multicellular biofilms in which the cells are embedded in an ECM composed primarily of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). </P>

Which tissue contains high levels of extracellular matrix