Connective tissue disorder

What are the four major types of mammalian tissue?

Epithelial, muscle, nervous tissue, and connective tissue.

What is connective tissue fundamentally characterized by?

An extracellular matrix that consists of fibers, cells, ground substance, and interstitial fluid.

What is the primary function of connective tissue in the human body?

To support and protect various tissues and organs.

From which germ layer is connective tissue derived?

Mesoderm.

What are the key structural components of the extracellular matrix?

Fibers, ground substance, and interstitial fluid.

What are the three types of fibers found in connective tissue?

Collagenous fibers, elastic fibers, and reticular fibers.

What is the main type of extracellular matrix protein?

Collagen.

What is the primary role of fibroblasts in connective tissue?

They synthesize and secrete extracellular matrix components.

How does connective tissue contribute to tissue repair?

Fibroblasts form scar tissue by secreting collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins.

What are the two main types of dense connective tissue?

Dense regular and dense irregular connective tissue.

What is an example of a connective tissue that provides mechanical support?

Tendons and ligaments.

What type of connective tissue is bone classified as?

Dense connective tissue.

What is elastin's function in connective tissue?

It provides elasticity and flexibility to tissues.

What are the three types of cartilage?

Hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage.

What is the primary function of hyaline cartilage?

specifically articular cartilage (synovial joints ) - To provide a smooth surface for joint movement and support.

What condition is characterized by a mutation in the fibrillin gene?

Marfan syndrome.

What is the characteristic feature of brown adipose tissue?

It is metabolically active and helps generate heat.

What is osteoporosis?

A condition characterized by weakened bones due to loss of bone density.

What is the role of osteoblasts in bone health?

They produce and secrete new bone matrix (osteoid).

What is the consequence of vitamin D deficiency on bone health?

It leads to impaired calcium absorption and can result in rickets.

What is the function of reticular fibers in connective tissue?

They form a supporting mesh for organs, providing structural support. In spleen and lymph nodes, the mesh can filter lymph. The mesh is for the movement and attachment of cells, particularly immune cells. 

What is the role of collagen type 1?

It provides tensile strength and is primarily found in tendons and ligaments.

What are macrophages, and what is their role in connective tissue?

They are white blood cells involved in defense against pathogens and tissue repair.

What type of tissue is adipose, and what are its main functions?

A loose connective tissue that functions in energy storage, insulation, and cushioning.

What is the function of the extracellular matrix in connective tissue?

It provides structural support and regulates various cellular functions.

What distinguishes dense regular connective tissue from dense irregular connective tissue?

Dense regular connective tissue has parallel fibers, while dense irregular has fibers arranged haphazardly.

What is the main structural feature of fibrocartilage?

It has a higher concentration of collagen fibers compared to hyaline cartilage.

What happens to scar tissue over time?

It undergoes remodeling but remains structurally different from the original tissue.

How does aging affect bone density?

Bone density peaks in the 30s and declines thereafter, especially in women after menopause.

What is the primary function of elastic fibers?

To allow tissues to stretch and maintain flexibility.

What is a common method for diagnosing osteoporosis?

DEXA scan, which measures bone mineral density.

What impact does estrogen have on bone health in postmenopausal women?

Reduced estrogen levels lead to increased bone resorption and a higher risk of osteoporosis.

How do tendons and ligaments differ in function?

Tendons connect muscle to bone, while ligaments connect bone to bone.

What dietary source is most prevalent in vitamin D?

Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel.

What are the characteristics of loose connective tissue?

It has more space between fibers and fewer fibers than dense connective tissue.

What type of cartilage is found in the outer ear?

Elastic cartilage.

What is the primary role of bone in the body?

To provide structural support, protection, and facilitate movement.

What injury commonly affects elite athletes, specifically involving connective tissue?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

What is the main risk associated with hip fractures in elderly patients?

Increased mortality rate and complications due to immobility.

What does DEXA stand for, and what does it measure?

Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry; it measures bone mineral density.

What is the primary function of the periosteum?

It serves as a protective layer and provides pain sensation due to its nerve supply.

What type of connective tissue primarily makes up cartilage?

Chondrocytes are the active cells in cartilage.

What happens to chondrocytes as they mature?

They become chondrocytes and may play roles in signaling and maintain cartilage matrix beyond being inactive. play role in skeletal repair and growth

What common term describes when bones weaken and become more prone to fracture in aging individuals?

Osteoporosis.

How does physical activity influence bone health?

Weight-bearing and resistance exercises can enhance bone density.

What type of connective tissue provides support to organs and houses blood vessels?

Loose connective tissue.

What is the medical term for the process of forming scar tissue?

Fibrosis.

What type of connective tissue plays a role in transporting nutrients and gases?

Blood, which is considered a connective tissue.

What is the role of osteoclasts?

They break down bone during the resorption process.

How do connective tissues differ in their ability to regenerate?

Bone can regenerate effectively, while tendons and ligaments have limited healing capabilities.

What is the relationship between collagen and elastin in connective tissue?

Collagen provides tensile strength, while elastin allows for elasticity.

What structural arrangement characterizes dense regular connective tissue?

Closely packed, parallel fibers.

How does fat contribute to body thermoregulation?

Brown adipose tissue generates heat through increased metabolic activity.

What common visual characteristic identifies cartilage in histological slides?

A rubbery, glass-like appearance due to the high ground substance content.

What causes the distinctive appearance of scar tissue compared to normal tissue?

Scar tissue has a more uniform arrangement of collagen fibers.

What characteristic is unique to fibroblasts compared to other connective tissue cells?

Their ability to differentiate into other cell types during healing.