Which of the following is a primary function of the extracellular matrix (ECM)?

Which of the following is a primary function of the extracellular matrix (ECM)?

• A. Storing waste products
• B. Imparting resilience to soft tissues and facilitating cell growth
• C. Creating rigid structures
• D. Maintaining the body's temperature

Answer: (B)

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in the structure and function of tissues in the body, particularly in connective tissues such as cartilage, bones, and tendons. One of its primary functions is to impart resilience to soft tissues, allowing them to withstand mechanical stress and deformation. The ECM also provides a supportive scaffold for cells, facilitating not just their growth but also their differentiation and migration, which are vital for tissue repair and development. By creating a suitable environment for cells to thrive, the ECM contributes to overall tissue homeostasis. The other options do not accurately represent the primary functions of the ECM. While the ECM does play a role in tissue support, it does not store waste products, create rigid structures in the same way that bone does, or maintain body temperature. Thus, the assertion that the ECM helps impart resilience and supports cellular activity directly aligns with its known biological roles.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in the structure and function of tissues in the body, particularly in connective tissues such as cartilage, bones, and tendons. One of its primary functions is to impart resilience to soft tissues, allowing them to withstand mechanical stress and deformation. The ECM also provides a supportive scaffold for cells, facilitating not just their growth but also their differentiation and migration, which are vital for tissue repair and development. By creating a suitable environment for cells to thrive, the ECM contributes to overall tissue homeostasis.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary functions of the ECM. While the ECM does play a role in tissue support, it does not store waste products, create rigid structures in the same way that bone does, or maintain body temperature. Thus, the assertion that the ECM helps impart resilience and supports cellular activity directly aligns with its known biological roles.