<P> Ground substance is an amorphous gel - like substance in the extracellular space that contains bedded - in connective tissue cells and fibers . In a tissue, cells are surrounded and supported by an extracellular matrix . </P> <P> Ground substance is active in the development, movement, and proliferation of tissues, as well as their metabolism . Additionally, cells use them for support, water storage, binding, and a medium for intercellular exchange (especially between blood cells and other types of cells) </P> <P> The components of the ground substance vary depending on the tissue . Ground substance is primarily composed of water, glycosaminoglycans (most notably hyaluronan), proteoglycans, and glycoproteins . Usually it is not visible on slides, because it is lost during staining in the preparation process . </P>

Describe the ground substance and fibers of blood