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Apparent enlargement in which increased fat or connective tissue can conceal loss of functioning muscle. Distinguish it from enlargement of working muscle fibres by hypertrophy.

The branch of medicine concerned with inflammatory, autoimmune and other disorders of joints and connective tissues. Similar patterns of pain can arise through different mechanisms, making anatomical distribution and systemic findings important.

The scrotum is the external sac containing the testes and associated structures. Its skin, connective tissues and muscular components support protection and temperature regulation. The tunica vaginalis is a deeper serous covering rather than another name for the entire scrotal wall.

A clinical consequence of vitamin C deficiency, with impaired collagen formation and fragile connective tissue. ^[ref]

Skeletal muscle is striated muscle tissue organized into long multinucleate fibers and supporting connective tissues. Neural activation recruits force that is transmitted to attachments. Its output depends on fiber properties, recruitment and mechanical loading, not only the amount of muscle present.

A tendon is dense connective tissue transmitting force from muscle to an attachment, commonly a bone. Parallel organization of its matrix supports tensile loading. Elasticity and geometry affect force transmission, so a tendon is not an absolutely rigid connector.

The tunica adventitia is the outer supporting layer of many blood-vessel walls. It contains connective tissue and can carry nerves and small wall-supplying vessels. Its anchoring role differs from the luminal interface of the tunica intima.

The gelatinous connective tissue surrounding vessels in the umbilical cord. Its hydrated matrix provides mechanical support and helps protect the vessels from compression.^[ref]