Connective tissues (Lab 3)

Collagen

Secreted into extra cellular space, spontaneously assembles cross linked fibers

Elastic fibers

Branching network of elastin that stretches and recoils

Reticular fibers

Softer collagen, short, fine fibers that allow more stretch

Fibrocytes/fibroblast

Synthesize proteins for the matrix, mainly collagen

Adipocytes

Compose adipose tissue, stores energy as fat

Chondrocytes/chondroblast

Produce and maintain the cartilaginous matrix

Osteocytes/osteoblast

Found in mature bone

Areolar connective tissue

Made of abundant collagen fibers, binds organs, cushions tissue, allows diffusion

Adipose tissue

Empty cells, for energy storage, insulation, cushion

Reticular connective tissue

Outer collagen wall, inner wall of elastic fiber, mesh like framework. Provides flexible, supportive framework for organs

Dense regular connective tissue

Dense packed collagen fibers arranged in parallel bundles. Provides tensile strength to tissues. Found in tendons, ligaments, aponeuroses

Dense irregular connective tissue

Collagen fibers in irregular, interwoven bundles. Provides multidirectional tensile strength

Elastic connective tissue

Densely packed elastic fibers, some collagen. Provides strength and stretch ability. In lungs, large arteries, ligaments, skin

Hyaline cartilage

Collagen forms imperceptible matrix. Provides structures support in the respiratory system

Fibrocartilage

Thick collagen fibers, similar to hyaline but less firm. Absorbs compressive shock. Intervertebral disks

Elastic cartilage

Collagen and elastic fibers form a matrix. Maintains shape of structure but allows great flexibility. Maintains shape of ear

Bone

Hard matrix, well vascularized. Supports and protects, provides levers for muscles

Blood

Red and white blood cells. Transports respiratory gases, nutrients, and wastes.

Skeletal muscle

Long, cylindrical, multinucleate cells, obvious striations. Voluntary movement

Smooth muscle

Spindle shaped, central nuclei, no striations, in sheets. Propels substances along internal passageways. Walls of hollow organs

Cardiac muscle

Uninucleate, branching, striated, connect at junctions. Propels blood into circulation. Found in walls of the heart