Anatomy 001 - Chapter 4: Connective Tissue

What is the function of connective tissue?

to bind, support, and stabilize other tissues, such as the epithelial tissue

What are the 3 main components of Connective Tissue?

cells, fibers, and matrix

What are the 5 types of Connective Tissue?

loose connective tissue, dense connective tissue, cartilage, bone, and blood

What cells are in CT?

fibroblasts

What is the function of fibroblasts?

to secrete different types of proteins which will make up the CT

What fibers are in CT?

collagen, elastic, and reticular

What is collagen?

most abundant structural protein in the human body; provides structure, support, or strength to skin, muscles, bone, and CT

What is elastic fiber?

made up of protein called elastin and other proteins; can stretch and recoil

What is reticular fiber?

a protein made up of Type 3 collagen

How can you identify Collagen?

looks like wide bands (because its a big and tough protein)

How can you identify Elastic fibers?

looks like thin lines

How can you identify Reticular fibers?

looks like tree branches

What is the matrix of CT?

a ground gel-like substance in which all cells and fibers are embedded

What are the 3 types of Loose Connective tissue?

areolar, adipose, and reticular

What is the function of Areola CT?

to bind and support; to hold organs in place and attach epithelial tissue to other underlying tissues

What is the location of Areola CT?

under skin, around organs, between muscles

What are the cells in Areola CT?

fibroblasts (secretes structural proteins)

What is the function of Adipose CT?

energy storage, cushioning for organs, and insulation

What is the location of Adipose CT?

under skin, around kidneys, and heart

What are the cells in Adipose CT?

adipose cells or fat cells or adipocytes

What are the functions of Reticular CT?

resist mechanical stress and physical tension

What is the location of Reticular CT?

spleen and capillaries

What are the cells in Reticular CT?

fibroblasts (secretes reticular fibers and collagen)

What are the 3 types of Dense Connective Tissue?

regular, irregular, and elastic

What is Dense Regular CT composed of?

mainly made up of collagen fibers that are densely packed together and arranged in parallel to each other

What is the function of Dense Regular CT?

to provide large amounts of tensile strength where it's required

What is the location of Dense Regular CT?

found in ligaments and tendons

Why is Dense Irregular CT irregular?

the collagen does not have a proper formation

What is the function of Dense Irregular CT?

to provide structural strength; be able to withstand tension from many directions

What is the location of Dense Irregular CT?

dermis of skin, fibrous capsule of joints, submucosa of GI tract

What is Dense Elastic CT composed of?

high amounts of elastic fibers along with collagen

What is the function of Dense Elastic CT?

allows for recoil of tissue after stretching

What is the location of Dense Elastic CT?

walls of large arteries, ligaments of vertebral column, bronchial tube walls

What is Cartilage?

a specialized form of connective tissue

What is the function of cartilage?

- maintains joint motion by coating the surfaces of the bones in our joints - cushions the bones against impact

What are the cells in cartilage?

chondrocytes located in chambers called lacunae, which is surrounded by matrix

What is the matrix in cartilage?

ground substance that is abundant and has a firmly gel type consistency that makes the tissue unusually rigid and resistant to compression

What are the 3 types of Cartilage?

hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage

What are the cells in Hyaline Cartilage CT?

Chondrocytes in lacunae in firm matrix

What is the function of Hyaline Cartilage CT?

support and cushion; resist compressive stress

What is the location of Hyaline Cartilage CT?

ends of long bones in joint cavities, costal cartilages of ribs, nose, trachea, and larynx

What cells are found in Elastic Cartilage CT?

is similar hyaline cartilage but (a lot/mostly) more elastic fibers in the matrix

What is the function of Elastic Cartilage CT?

maintain shape of the structure while allowing flexibility

What is the location of Elastic Cartilage CT?

external ear (pinna), epiglottis

What cells are found in Fibrous Cartilage CT?

matrix similar to hyaline but contains mostly bands of collagen

What is the function of Fibrous Cartilage CT?

tensile strength with ability to absorb shock; cushions bones and helps when we jump (absorbing shock)

What is the location of Fibrous Cartilage CT?

intervertebral discs, discs of knee joint, and pubic symphysis

What is Bone CT?

a specialized CT that has a hard, calcified matrix (for strength), collagen fibers (for flexibility), and cells called osteocytes in lacunae; highly vascularized

What is the function of Bone CT?

- protection, support of internal organs, attachment site for muscles and movement - hematopoiesis - storage of calcium, phosphorus, and lipids

What is the location of Bone CT?

its ur bones. :/

Blood CT is composed of __________.

plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets