connective tissues fibers and cells

Collagen

• Strongest and most abundant type

  • Tough; provides high tensile strength

Elastic fibers

• Networks of long, thin, elastin fibers that allow for stretch and recoil

Reticular

• Short, fine, highly branched collagenous fibers (different chemistry and form from collagen fibers

  • Branching forms networks that offer more “give” 

“Blast” cells

Immature form of cell that actively secretes ground substance and ECM fibers 

Fibroblasts

found in connective tissue proper

Chondroblasts

found in cartilage

Osteoblasts

found in bone

• Hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow

“Cyte” cells

Mature, less active form of “blast” cell that now becomes part of and helps maintain health of matrix

Fat cells

store nutrients

White blood cells

• Neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes

Tissue response to injury

Mast cells

Initiate local inflammatory response against foreign microorganisms they detect

Macrophages

Phagocytic cells that “eat” dead cells, microorganisms; function in immune system