http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Connective_Tissue/default.asp
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health
This fact sheet describes a family of more than 200 disorders that affect connective tissues. These disorders result from alterations (mutations) in genes responsible for building tissues. Alterations in these genes may change the structure and development of skin, bones, joints, heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and ears. Some mutations also change how these tissues work.