Connective Tissue, Cartilage, Blood, Bone, and Muscle Review

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to connective tissue, cartilage, blood, bone, and muscle, based on lecture notes.

Connective Tissue (CT)

Tissue of mesodermal origin that supports and connects other tissues, usually vascular and containing cells plus an extracellular matrix.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Composed of fibers and ground substance, it provides structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.

Fibroblasts

Cells in connective tissue that synthesize and maintain fibers and ground substance.

Collagen

Strong, flexible fibers primarily composed of type I collagen, found in tendons, ligaments, and bone.

Hyaline Cartilage

Most common type of cartilage, composed of type II collagen, found in articular surfaces and respiratory tract.

Elastic Cartilage

A type of cartilage that contains elastic fibers, found in areas requiring flexibility, such as the external ear.

Fibrocartilage

Strongest type of cartilage with type I collagen bundles, found in intervertebral discs and menisci.

Erythrocytes (RBCs)

Biconcave, anucleated cells responsible for gas exchange, containing hemoglobin.

Leukocytes (WBCs)

White blood cells involved in defense and immune response; includes granulocytes and agranulocytes.

Thrombocytes (Platelets)

Non-nucleated cell fragments derived from megakaryocytes, essential for blood clotting.

Bone Composition

Composed of 70% inorganic materials (primarily hydroxyapatite) and 30% organic materials (type I collagen).

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that secrete the organic matrix (osteoid) which then mineralizes.

Osteoclasts

Multinucleated cells derived from monocytes that are responsible for bone resorption.

Skeletal Muscle

Striated, voluntary muscle composed of long, cylindrical fibers with nuclei at the periphery.

Cardiac Muscle

Striated, involuntary muscle distinguished by intercalated discs and a central nucleus.

Smooth Muscle

Non-striated, involuntary muscle with spindle-shaped cells, found in the walls of hollow organs.

Hemopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation, primarily occurring in the red bone marrow.

Perichondrium

Dense connective tissue that surrounds most types of cartilage, providing nutrients to chondrocytes.

Muscle Contraction Mechanism

In skeletal muscle, calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum triggers the binding of myosin to actin, allowing for contraction.