Lesson 2.2 Connective Tissue

Cells scattered within an extracellular matrix (rather than connected to each other like epithelial tissue)

What is connective tissue?

Support, Binding, Protection, Connecting tissues together

What are the 4 main functions of connective tissue?

Loose connective, Dense connective, Blood, Adipose, Cartilage, Bone

What are the 6 types of connective tissue?

Loose Connective Tissue

Cells in LOOSE matrix of protein fibers (elastin and collagen) - holds organs in place and attaches epithelial tissues to other tissues

Loose Connective Tissue

Under skin, Between organs

Dense Connective Tissue

Cells in DENSE matrix of protein fibers - connects muscle to bone and bone to bone

Dense Connective Tissue

Tendons (muscle to bone), Ligaments (bone to bone at joints)

Adipose Tissue

Fat cells in minimal extracellular matrix - stores fat for energy and insulation

Adipose Tissue

Beneath skin, Between muscles, Around heart, Around joints

Blood

Red blood cells, White blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes), and Platelets in LIQUID matrix (plasma)

Blood

Transports gases (O2, CO2), Hormones, Wastes, Nutrients - flows inside blood vessels

Neutrophils (White Blood Cells)

Phagocytic cells that destroy damaged tissue and bacteria

B-cells (make antibodies) and T-cells (attack viruses and cancer)

Lymphocytes (White Blood Cells) - Two Types

Monocytes (White Blood Cells)

Precursors of tissue macrophages, important in inflammatory response

Cartilage

Cells in matrix of fine collagen fibers - provides FLEXIBLE support

Hyaline Cartilage

Smooth, glass-like appearance - found at ends of long bones, nose, trachea, bronchi, growth plates

Elastic Cartilage

Highly flexible and resilient, rich in ELASTIC FIBERS - found in external ear, epiglottis, larynx

Fibrocartilage

Strongest cartilage, dense collagen fibers, resists compression - found in intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, menisci of knee

Bone

Cells in matrix of collagen and MINERALS - provides firm support

Epiphysis (ends), Diaphysis (shaft), Metaphysis (growth plate region), Articular cartilage, Periosteum, Endosteum, Medullary cavity, Compact bone, Spongy bone, Bone marrow

Bone - 10 Main Parts

Epiphysis

Rounded ends of long bone covered with articular cartilage

Diaphysis

Long cylindrical shaft providing structural support, houses medullary cavity

Metaphysis

Region between diaphysis and epiphysis, includes growth plate in growing bones

Articular Cartilage

Layer of hyaline cartilage covering epiphysis ends, reduces friction in joints

Periosteum

Tough fibrous membrane covering outer bone surface (except joints), contains blood vessels and nerves, aids growth and repair

Endosteum

Thin membrane lining inner bone surface and medullary cavity, involved in bone remodeling

Medullary Cavity

Hollow space in diaphysis containing bone marrow (red for blood cell production, yellow for fat storage)

Compact Bone

Dense hard outer bone layer providing strength and protection

Spongy Bone (Cancellous Bone)

Porous lightweight bone in epiphyses, contains red marrow, provides support with reduced weight

Red marrow (produces blood cells) and Yellow marrow (stores fat)

Bone Marrow - Two Type