HumanAnatomyLecture 4_2024

Connective Tissue

Most diverse, abundant, and structurally varied of all tissue types; functions as 'glue' and 'filler' of the body.

Types of Tissue

Four main types: Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, Nervous.

Extracellular Matrix

Combination of protein fibers and ground substance that supports cells within connective tissue.

Fibroblasts

Cells in connective tissue that produce fibers and ground substance.

Adipocytes

Fat cells that store lipid reserves.

Collagen Fibers

Long, strong, flexible protein fibers that provide strength and support.

Elastic Fibers

Thin, branching fibers that allow tissues to stretch and revert to their original shape.

Reticular Fibers

Thin fibers forming a branching framework in various organs.

Ground Substance

Mixture of proteins, carbohydrates, and water that fills spaces in connective tissue.

Loose Connective Tissue

Type of connective tissue that serves as packing material around organs (e.g. areolar, adipose).

Dense Connective Tissue

Type of connective tissue characterized by densely packed fibers, providing strength (e.g. tendons, ligaments).

Areolar Connective Tissue

A loose connective tissue that binds and packs around organs.

Adipose Connective Tissue

Connective tissue that provides insulation, protection, and stores fat.

Reticular Connective Tissue

Loose connective tissue providing a supportive framework for organs containing abundant spaces.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Type of dense connective tissue with collagen fibers aligned parallel to applied force.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Type of dense connective tissue with collagen fibers arranged in a meshwork for tensile strength in all directions.

Elastic Connective Tissue

Connective tissue containing branching elastic fibers allowing structures to stretch.

Cartilage

A supportive connective tissue, strong and resilient, providing flexibility.

Chondrocytes

Mature cartilage cells found in small spaces called lacunae.

Bone

A type of supportive connective tissue, strong and rigid, composed of osteocytes.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix.

Osteoblasts

Immature bone cells responsible for bone formation.

Hyaline Cartilage

Most common type of cartilage with a glassy matrix, supporting soft tissues.

Fibrocartilage

Cartilage with densely interwoven collagen fibers providing durability.

Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage with abundant elastic fibers providing resilience and flexibility.

Fluid Connective Tissue

Blood, characterized by its liquid matrix and various cellular components.

Plasma

Watery ground substance in blood containing proteins.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in immune response.

Platelets

Cell fragments in blood that aid in clotting.

Mesenchyme

Common origin tissue for all connective tissues.

Extracellular Matrix Functions

Provides support, binds cells, and aids in nutrient exchange.

Mesenchymal Cells

Stem cells in connective tissue capable of differentiating into various cell types.

Mast Cells

Cells that stimulate local inflammatory response in connective tissue.

Plasma Cells

B cells that produce antibodies against foreign substances.

Free Macrophages

Mobile immune cells that phagocytize foreign materials.

Importance of Collagen

Collagen represents 25% of all protein in the human body.

Importance of Elastic Fibers

Elastic fibers allow tissue to stretch and return to original shape.

Morphological Characteristics

Connective tissue is characterized by diverse cell types with extensive extracellular matrix.

Functions of Connective Tissue

Include physical protection, support, binding, storage, transport, and immune protection.