Connective Tissues Histology and Classification

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering embryonic, loose, dense, cartilage, bone, and blood connective tissue types, cell lineages, locations, vascularity, and extracellular matrix characteristics.

Mesenchyme Connective Tissue

• Location: Embryonic tissue- embryo

• Function: Provides cells needed for replacement or repair after injury

Areolar Connective Tissue

• Location: Between muscle fibers, around blood and lymph vessels, around abdominal organs, and underneath epithelium
• Function: Wraps and cushions organs

Adipose Connective Tissue

• Location: Around organs such as kidneys and breasts
• Function: Insulates, supports, and protects organs

Reticular Connective Tissue

• Location: Spleen, liver, and lymphatic tissues
• Function: Provides a supportive framework for soft organs

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

• Location: Ligaments and tendons
• Function: Provides tensile strength from few directions

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

• Location: Dermis of the skin and walls of arteries
• Function: Provides strength in all directions

Hyaline Cartilage

• Location: Ends of bones at joints, growth plates, rib cage, and nose
• Function: Supports, reinforces, and provides a smooth, flexible surface

Fibrocartilage

• Location: Meniscus of the knee and intervertebral discs of the spine
• Function: Absorbs shock and provides toughness to tissues

Elastic Cartilage

• Location: External ear
• Function: Provides rigid support and elasticity

Compact Bone

• Location: Shaft of long bones
• Function: Supports and protects

Blood Connective Tissue

• Location: Inside blood vessels
• Function: Transports nutrients and wastes throughout the body