Read the following statements carefully: (I) Cells of cartilage (chondrocytes) are enclosed in small cavities within a solid and pliable matrix. (II) Bone has a hard and non-pliable ground substance rich in calcium salts and collagen fibres. (III) Areolar connective tissue contains fibroblasts, macrophages and mast cells. (IV) Dense irregular connective tissue has fibroblasts and many fibres that are oriented paralle

Step-by-step solution

Statement (I) is correct as the intercellular material of cartilage is solid and pliable and resists compression. Cells of this tissue (chondrocytes) are enclosed in small cavities within the matrix secreted by them. Statement (II) is correct as bone has a hard and non-pliable ground substance rich in calcium salts and collagen fibres which give bone its strength. Statement (III) is correct as areolar tissue is a loose connective tissue that contains fibroblasts (cells that produce and secrete fibres), macrophages