What is false regarding the characteristics of connective tissue proper?

Connective tissue proper is characterized by a significant amount of extracellular matrix, which provides structural support and mediates the interaction among cells. The matrix consists of fibers (such as collagen and elastin) and ground substance, which can vary in consistency from gel-like to more solid forms, depending on the specific type of connective tissue.

In this context, the choice that states connective tissue proper consists of a small amount of matrix is inaccurate because the main defining feature of connective tissue is its abundance of matrix compared to cellular content. Additionally, connective tissues generally do have a nerve supply, which is essential for the tissues to communicate with the nervous system. They often present a gel-like consistency owing to the ground substance, and most types of connective tissue proper do not have a free surface, distinguishing them from epithelial tissues. Thus, the correct understanding reinforces the importance of the matrix in connective tissue proper and its role in overall tissue function and structure.