Chapter 04 Tissues: Connective Tissue and Bone (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering connective tissue components, ECM elements, cell types in cartilage and bone, adipose tissue, tissue densities, visceral/subcutaneous fat, and calcium homeostasis.

Connective tissue components

Matrix, cells, and fibers that make up connective tissue.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)

Three major components: protein fibers, ground substance, and fluid.

Ground substance

The noncellular gel-like part of the ECM surrounding cells.

Protein fibers

Fibers in the ECM, including collagen and elastic fibers.

Collagen

Most common protein in the body; provides tensile strength and is inelastic.

Elastic fibers

Fibers containing elastin that return to original shape after distension or compression.

Chondrocyte

Cartilage cell that lives in lacunae within cartilage matrix.

Lacuna

A small cavity in bone or cartilage matrix that houses a cell (chondrocyte or osteocyte).

Adipose tissue

Connective tissue composed of adipocytes; stores fat and contains matrix and fibers.

Adipocyte

Fat-storing cell in adipose tissue.

Cartilage

Semi-solid connective tissue with chondrocytes in lacunae within a matrix that contains collagen and elastin.

Bone (osseous tissue)

Hard connective tissue with a mineralized matrix and cells such as osteocytes.

Osteoblast

Bone-forming cell that produces the bone matrix.

Osteocyte

Mature bone cell that maintains bone matrix; resides in lacunae.

Osteoclast

Bone-resorbing cell that breaks down bone matrix.

Blast, Cyte, Clast

Descriptive stems: Blast = create matrix; Cyte = maintain matrix; Clast = break down/remodel matrix.

Osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts

Cell types involved in bone formation, maintenance, and resorption respectively.

Bone density (Osseous tissue density)

Hard, mineralized matrix with high density; relates to calcium storage.

Loose connective tissue

Less dense connective tissue with more ground substance and fewer fibers.

Dense (compact) connective tissue

More fibrous, tightly packed connective tissue with greater density.

Adipose tissue density concepts

Fat tissue contains abundant adipocytes; more fat, fewer fibers yields softer tissue.

Visceral fat

Fat stored around internal organs within the abdominal cavity.

Subcutaneous fat

Fat stored beneath the skin.

Abdominal fat

Combination of visceral and subcutaneous fat in the abdomen.

Calcium homeostasis

Maintenance of blood Ca++ levels; involves bone formation and resorption to keep normal Ca++ (about 9–11 mg/100 mL).