Which tissue type is characterized by having fewer cells?

Connective tissue is characterized by having fewer cells compared to other tissue types. This tissue category comprises a diverse group of tissues that primarily function to support, bind together, and protect other tissues and organs of the body. The key distinguishing feature of connective tissue is its composition, which includes a large amount of extracellular matrix relative to the number of cells. This matrix can contain fibers (like collagen and elastin), ground substance, and fluid, providing various forms of support and facilitating processes such as transport and storage.

In contrast, muscle tissue is primarily made up of tightly packed cells that contract to produce movement, while nervous tissue consists of neurons and glial cells that are more densely packed to facilitate rapid signal transmission. Epithelial tissue also has closely arranged cells that form continuous sheets, serving functions like protection, secretion, and absorption. Thus, the abundance of extracellular matrix in connective tissue with fewer cells is what distinctly characterizes it.