The 'ground substance' of extracellular matrix is an amorphous gelatinous material. It is transparent, colourless, and fills the spaces between fibres and cells. It actually consists of large molecules called glycosoaminoglycans (GAGs) which link together to form even larger molecules called proteoglycans. These molecules are very good at absorbing water, rather like a sponge, such that 90% of the extracellular matrix is made up of water. This means that the ECM is very good at resisting compressive forces.
