Which one among the following structures or cells is not present in connective tissues ?

Connective tissues are characterized by an extracellular matrix containing ground substance, protein fibers, and specific cells [4]. Common components include collagen fibers, which provide tensile strength, and specialized cells like chondrocytes found in cartilage [1]. Lymphocytes are also present in specialized fluid connective tissues like blood and lymph, or as migratory cells in loose connective tissue [2]. In contrast, an axon is a structural component of a neuron, which is the functional unit of nervous tissue [3]. Nervous tissue is specialized for conducting electrical impulses and is distinct from connective tissue [4]. While connective tissue supports and binds other tissues, the axon's role is specifically to carry messages away from the nerve cell body to other neurons or effector cells like muscles [3]. Therefore, axons are not a constituent of connective tissues.

Sources

1. [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538534/
2. [4] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: The Invisible Living World: Beyond Our Naked Eye > 2.1.1 Variation in shape and structure of cells > p. 14
3. [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/connective-tissue-cell
4. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Control and Coordination > 6.1 ANIMALS – NERVOUS SYSTEM > p. 101