Histology II - Connective Tissue

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to connective tissue in histology.

Connective Tissue

A type of tissue that holds together and supports various structures of the body.

Matrix

The material or tissue in which cells are embedded, constituting a significant part of connective tissue.

Ground Substance

The background substance in which cells of connective tissue are embedded, often amorphous.

Collagen fibers

Strong, flexible fibers that provide structural support in connective tissues.

Elastic fibers

Fibers that allow tissues to return to their original shape after being stretched.

Reticular fibers

Fibers that form a mesh-like network providing structural support to connective tissues.

Areolar connective tissue

A type of loose connective tissue that holds organs in place and provides support.

Adipose tissue

A type of connective tissue that stores fat and insulates the body.

Blood

A liquid connective tissue that transports nutrients, gases, and wastes throughout the body.

Bone (Osseous tissue)

A rigid form of connective tissue that provides structural support and protection for body organs.

Hyaline cartilage

A type of cartilage that provides support and flexibility, found in joints and respiratory structures.

Fibrocartilage

A tough, dense form of cartilage designed to resist compression and support joints.

Elastic cartilage

A flexible form of cartilage that can withstand repeated bending, found in the ear and epiglottis.

Fibroblasts

Cells in connective tissue that produce fibers and ground substance.

Macrophages

Types of white blood cells that help in the immune response by engulfing pathogens.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that carries cells and proteins.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in protecting the body against infectious diseases.

Osteocyte

A mature bone cell that maintains the bone matrix.

Chondrocytes

Cells located in lacunae that produce and maintain cartilage.

Lacunae

Small cavities in bone or cartilage where cells are located.

Perichondrium

A dense layer of connective tissue that surrounds cartilage.

Canaliculi

Small channels in bone that allow for the exchange of nutrients and waste between osteocytes.

Support

One of the key functions of connective tissue, providing structural integrity.

Insulation

A function of adipose tissue that helps to regulate body temperature.

Protection

A function of connective tissue that involves cushioning organs.

Subcutaneous tissue

Loose connective tissue located beneath the skin that includes adipose tissue.

Visceral adipose tissue

Fat stored around internal organs.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue

Fat stored under the skin.

Hyaline cartilage location

Found at the ends of long bones, ribs, and in the nose.

Fibrocartilage location

Found in intervertebral discs, menisci of knees, and the pubic symphysis.

Elastic cartilage location

Found in the outer ear and the epiglottis.

Fibrous connective tissue

A type of connective tissue characterized by dense, strong fibers, often found in ligaments.

Functions of osseous tissue

Support and blood production are primary functions of bone tissue.

Types of connective tissue

Areolar, adipose, blood, bone, hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, elastic cartilage.

Signet ring cell

A cell found in adipose tissue that contains a fat droplet pushing the nucleus to the side.

Fluid connective tissue

Blood, which is composed mainly of cells suspended in plasma.

Special features of connective tissue

Typically includes widely spaced cells, fibers, and a significant extracellular matrix.