Ch 5.3 Connective Tissue 2026

Extra cellular matrix

Non-living material that surrounds living cells

Chondrocytes

mature cartilage cells

hyaline cartilage

Most common type of cartilage; it is found on the ends of long bones, ribs, and nose

adipose tissue

Tissue that stores fat.

Fibrocartilage

this is in the pads between vertebrae that are shock absorbers

bind, support, protect, fill spaces, store fat, produce blood cells

functions of connective tissue

adipose and areolar

types of loose connective tissue

Hyaline Cartilage, Elastic Cartilage, Fibrocartilage

types of DENSE connective Tissue

collagen fibers (white)

provides flexibility and tensile strength

elastic fibers (yellow fibers)

made of the protein elastin, are stretchy and add flexibility to certain types of connective tissues

reticular fibers

Fibers made of collagen fibers that are very thin and branched. Forma tightly woven fabric that joins connective tissue to adjacent tissues. Delicate Support

Bone has a much better blood supply that provide the necessary nutrients for repair

Why does bone heal faster than cartilage?

fibroblasts

produce fibers

Macrophages

carry out phagocytosis, engulf pathogens

Dense Connective Tissue

This category of connective tissue is CLOSELY PACKED, thick with collagen and a network elastic fibers

bind structures together, provides support, serves as framework, stores fat, produces blood cells,

Functions of Connective Tissue

Histamine and heparin

What do mast cells secrete?