Connective Tissue

What makes connective tissue different from epithelial tissue?

Connective tissue cells are separated from each other by abundant extracellular matrix

What is extracellular matrix (ECM)?

The material outside the cells that surrounds and supports the cells

What are the two main parts of extracellular matrix?a

Protein fibers + ground substance.a

What is the main job of connective tissue?

To support, connect, protect, store, transport, and cushion body structures.

What are the 7 major functions of connective tissue?

• Enclosing and separating

• Connecting tissues

• Supporting and moving

• Storing

• Cushioning and insulating

• Transporting

• Protecting

How does connective tissue enclose and separate?

It forms structures that surround and separate organs and tissues.

How does connective tissue connect tissues?

It attaches different tissues and structures together.

How does connective tissue support and move?

It provides support for the body and helps structures move.

What does connective tissue store?

It can store fat and other substances

How does connective tissue cushion and insulate?

Fat tissue cushions organs and helps insulate the body.

How does connective tissue transport substances?

Blood transports substances throughout the body.

How does connective tissue protect?

Bone and other connective tissues protect organs and structures

What produces the extracellular matrix?

Specialized connective tissue cells.

What does a “blast” cell do?

Forms/produces the extracellular matrix.

What does a “cyte” cell do?

Maintains the extracellular matrix.

What does a “clast” cell do?

Breaks down the extracellular matrix.

What are the two major components of the extracellular matrix?

Protein fibers and ground substance.

What are the 3 types of protein fibers in connective tissue?

Collagen,

reticular,

and elastic fibers.

What are collagen fibers?

Strong fibers that provide strength and support.

What do reticular fibers do?

They form a supporting network/framework for cells and tissues.

What do elastic fibers do?

Allow tissues to stretch and return to their original shape.

What is ground substance?

The material that fills the space between cells and fibers in the extracellular matrix.

What are proteoglycans found in?

Ground substance.

What else can extracellular matrix contain besides fibers and ground substance?

Fluid

What is mesenchyme?

Embryonic connective tissue that gives rise to the major categories of connective tissue

What is loose (areolar) connective tissue?

Connective tissue with a loose arrangement of fibers and cells.

What is adipose tissue?

Fat tissue that stores energy and helps cushion and insulate the body

What makes dense connective tissue different from loose connective tissue?

Dense connective tissue has a matrix containing densely packed fibers.

What types of fibers are found in dense connective tissue?

Collagen fibers and elastic fibers.

What are the 3 types of cartilage?

• Hyaline cartilage

• Fibrocartilage

• Elastic cartilage

What is hyaline cartilage?

A type of cartilage that provides support and smooth surfaces at joints.

What is fibrocartilage?

Strong cartilage that provides support and resistance to compression.

What is elastic cartilage?

Cartilage that provides support while allowing flexibility.

What makes bone different from other connective tissues?

Bone has a mineralized extracellular matrix.

What does bone form?

Most of the skeleton of the body.

What are the two types of bone listed in your notes?

Compact bone and cancellous bone.

What makes blood different from most other connective tissues?

Blood has a liquid extracellular matrix.

Where is blood found?

In blood vessels.

Where is blood produced?

In hemopoietic tissue, especially red bone marrow.

What are the major categories of connective tissue in your notes?

Mesenchyme → Loose → Adipose → Dense → Cartilage → Bone → Blood