Lab 2: Connective Tissue

Areolar connective

fxn: wraps and cushions organs

loc: underneath epithelia; mucous membranes

contains: elastic fibers, collagen fibers, fibroblasts, ground substance

Adipose

fxn: provides reserve food fuel; insulates against heat loss; supports and protects organs

loc: hypodermis; around kidneys and eyeballs; within abdomen; in breasts

contains: adipocyte

Reticular connective

fxn: forms a soft internal skeleton

loc: lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen

contains: reticular fibers, fibroblasts, white blood cells

Dense irregular connective

fxn: withstands tension in many directions

loc: fibrous capsules of organs and joints; dermis; submucosa of digestive tract

contains: collagen fibers, fibroblasts

Dense regular connective

fxn: withstands great tensile stress when pulling force is applied in one direction

loc: tendons, most ligaments, aponeuroses

contains: collagen fibers, fibroblasts

Elastic connective

fxn: allows tissue to recoil after stretching; maintaining pulsatile flow of blood through arteries; aids passive recoil of lungs following inspiration

loc: walls of large arteries; elastic ligaments; walls of bronchi

contains: elastic fibers