Which two components are critical for connective tissue?

Collagen and elastin are indeed critical components of connective tissue, playing essential roles in maintaining its structure and function.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and it provides strength, support, and structure to various tissues, including tendons, ligaments, skin, and cartilage. It forms a scaffold that helps tissues to maintain their shape and resist stretching.

Elastin, on the other hand, provides elasticity to tissues, allowing them to stretch and return to their original shape. This property is particularly important in tissues that undergo regular stretching, such as in the lungs, arteries, and skin. The complementary functions of collagen and elastin enable connective tissues to be both strong and flexible, which is vital for overall bodily movements and maintaining the integrity of various organs and structures.

Other choices involve proteins that do not primarily contribute to the structure of connective tissues or refer to tissues themselves rather than their components, which helps clarify why they are not the correct answer.