Anatomy and Physiology (Connective Tissue and Nervous Tissue)

Functions of connection tissue

protection (hard covering for organs), transportation (moves materials around via blood and lymph nodes), energy storage (glycogen and triglycerides)

cells

cellular components contain nuclei and have names that end with -cyte and -blast; build, shape, and maintain

extracellular matrix

collagen fibers, elastic fibers, reticular fibers, and ground substance

collagen fibers

the thickest and the strongest

elastic fibers

thin and stretchy 

reticular fibers

thin and cross linked

ground substance

clear; gel-like substance

areolar connective tissue

contains collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and fibro-blasts; binds other tissues together and part of inflammatory response (area: between skin and muscle)

adipose

contains adipocytes, stores energy, absorbs shock,and provides insulation (location: bottom layer of skin, abdomen, heart)

blood

made of plasma, platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells; transport oxygen and nutrients around body (location: within blood vessels)

cartilage

contains a matrix of proteins and chondrocytes within small pits (lacunae)

hyaline cartilage

matrix with a smooth, glassy appearance; provides smooth surface and flexible connection between tissues (location: respiratory tract, end of bones)

elastic cartilage

matrix with many elastic fibers, can handle repeated bending while maintaining its original shape (location: external ear)

fibrocartilage

has fewer cells and a matrix dense with collagen fibers, resistant to compression and stretching (location: vertebral discs, pelvic cartilage)

bone

cells within a lucnae, with a matrix of calcium phosphate; arranged in lamallae (circular layers); provides structure, support, and helps in movement 

reticular tissue

contains reticular fibers holding blood cells in place; white and red blood cell storage (location: spleen, bone, marrow, and lymph nodes)

dense regular tissue

mostly collagen fibers with few fibro-blasts, provides connection between tissues that resist tension (location: ligaments and tendons)

nervous tissue

contains long branched neurons and smaller neuroglia (location: brain and spinal cord)

lymphocytes

are immune cells that kill infected cells and produce antibodies

erythrocytes

are red blood cells that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide

fibroblast

 produce the proteins found in extracellular matrix of  

non-cartilage connective tissues.

chondrocytes

build the extracellular matrix of cartilage. These are 

found in small cavities called lacunae.

osteoblasts

build and shape mineralized bone tissue. Also found in 

lacunae. 

matrix 

refers to non-cellular material that surrounds and supports cells and tissues (e.g. extracellular matrix/ECM)

chondrocytes

cells found in cartilage