Histology Lect 4 Connective Tissue I

Connective tissue overview

-Filler, structure, strength, physical and metabolic support

-Found everywhere in the body; most abundant tissue.

-found between and/or surrounding all other tissues, including the nervous system.

Connective tissue is composed of sparse

cells and extracellular matrix (ECM);

Collagen fibers + Elastic fibers + Ground substance = Extracellular matrix

The ECM of All connective tissue consists of..

1. Fibers (elastic and collagenous fibers);

2. Ground substance – gel like substance, GAGs (glycosaminoglycans), PGs;

3. Supporting cells – for ex. fibroblasts…

what do fibroblasts do?

synthesize constituents of the ECM

what kind of fivers provide tensile strength and resistance to pulling forces (like a rope)

-form fibers or mesh/network

collagen fibers

what kind of fibers