Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
Extracellular Matrix01:26

Extracellular Matrix

Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
Introduction to Connective Tissues01:11

Introduction to Connective Tissues

Connective tissues are one of the four main tissue types in humans that are extensively present in the body. They are characterized by cells embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of a ground substance and three main types of protein fibers— collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers. The ground substance of connective tissues can range from a watery and jelly-like consistency to mineralized and hard. The wide variety of cells in the connective tissues include fibroblasts, osteocytes,...
Connective Tissue Cell Types01:22

Connective Tissue Cell Types

Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
Reticular Dermis01:15

Reticular Dermis

The papillary and reticular dermis are the two layers of the dermis. They are made of connective tissue with fibers of collagen extending from one to the other, making the border between the two somewhat indistinct. The dermal papillae extending into the epidermis belong to the papillary layer, whereas the dense collagen fiber bundles below belong to the reticular layer.
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...
Classification of Connective Tissues01:30

Classification of Connective Tissues

The connective tissues have different properties and functions in the human body. They are broadly categorized into proper, supporting, or fluid connective tissues.
Connective Tissue Proper
Connective tissue proper is the most abundant class of connective tissues. As its name implies, it predominantly connects different tissues in the body. Depending on the cell types, ground substance, viscosity, and fiber types in the ECM, connective tissue proper is further categorized into loose and dense.

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

European society of gynecology (ESG) position paper on the proposed terminology change from PCOS to PMOS.

Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology·2026
Same author

Smartphones and social media are harming youth health: A comprehensive public health response is overdue.

Health policy (Amsterdam, Netherlands)·2026
Same author

Recurrence and Malignant Transformation After Borderline Ovarian Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Anticancer research·2026
Same author

Oxytocin, Epigenetic Aging, and the Social Regulation of Health: A Lifecourse Perspective on the Maejima et al. Findings.

Aging cell·2026
Same author

Relationship between Maternal Retinal Microvascular Changes in the Postpartum Period, Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2, and Cotinine.

Biomedicine hub·2025
Same author

Learning curve estimation and insertion depth in Veress needle insertion using a conventional Veress needle and the VeressPlus™ needle.

Surgical endoscopy·2025
Same journal

A risk-based classification of late-onset fetal growth disorders according to intrapartum fetal compromise.

Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology·2026
Same journal

The Cardiac-Fetal-Placental Unit: links between umbilical venous flow and maternal hemodynamics in fetal growth restriction.

Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology·2026
Same journal

Psychosocial interventions for women who are pregnant following a previous reproductive loss: A scoping review.

Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology·2026
Same journal

Controversies in fetal therapy.

Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology·2026
Same journal

Alloimmunisation in pregnancy: current management and future perspectives.

Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology·2026
Same journal

Consensus in prenatal management of Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.

Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Human Ex vivo Wound Model and Whole-Mount Staining Approach to Accurately Evaluate Skin Repair
07:32

Human Ex vivo Wound Model and Whole-Mount Staining Approach to Accurately Evaluate Skin Repair

Published on: February 17, 2021

Skin connective tissue and ageing.

Jean Calleja-Agius1, Mark Brincat, Marika Borg

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida MSD 2090, Malta.

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|July 16, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Menopause causes oestrogen deficiency, leading to skin ageing and collagen loss. Postmenopausal oestrogen use may improve skin elasticity and thickness, but more research is needed.

Keywords:
collagenmenopauseoestrogenskin

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 9, 2026

Human Ex vivo Wound Model and Whole-Mount Staining Approach to Accurately Evaluate Skin Repair
07:32

Human Ex vivo Wound Model and Whole-Mount Staining Approach to Accurately Evaluate Skin Repair

Published on: February 17, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology and endocrinology, focusing on skin aging and hormonal influences.

Background:

  • Collagen atrophy is a primary driver of skin aging.
  • Menopause-induced oestrogen deficiency strongly correlates with reduced skin collagen.
  • Aging skin exhibits increased extensibility, reduced elasticity, fragility, and impaired wound healing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between menopause, oestrogen deficiency, and skin aging.
  • To evaluate the effects of postmenopausal oestrogen use on skin properties.

Main Methods:

  • The study reviews the established effects of collagen loss and oestrogen deficiency on skin aging.
  • It examines the impact of oestrogen on skin collagen content, dermal thickness, and elasticity.

Main Results:

  • Oestrogen deficiency, common after menopause, is linked to significant skin aging.
  • Postmenopausal oestrogen administration has been shown to increase collagen, dermal thickness, and elasticity.
  • Oestrogen use also reduces the incidence of age-related dry skin.

Conclusions:

  • Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin structure and function.
  • Further large-scale clinical trials are required to establish evidence-based recommendations for postmenopausal oestrogen therapy in skin aging prevention.