Connective Tissue

fibroblast

most common type of specialized cells. Produces fibers by secreting proteins into the extracellular matrix

Macrophages

phagocytic white blood, can move in and out of tissues

Mast Cells

Found near blood vessels, produces heparin (prevents blood clotting) and histamine (triggers inflammatory response)

collagen

White fiber that has a high tensile strength (Most Common)

Elastic

Yellow fiber that is very flexible

Reticular

Fine collagen fiber that forms the internal “skeleton” of soft organs such as the spleen

Ground Substance

Extracellular fluid composed of water, adhesion proteins & polysaccharides

Matrix

made up of protein fibers and ground substances

Areolar

lots of collagen fibers, fibroblast & elastic fibers, few cells (most common)

location of Areolar

epidermis & subcutaneous (beneath the skin)

Around the organs

Between Muscles

Around Blood vessels & nerves (mesentery)

Function of Areolar

Cushions organs, provides support but permits independent movement. Provides reservoir of water & salts for tissue

Adipose tissue (Apidocytes)

fat cells that look like a signet ring, little matrix with few fibers and large cells

Location of Adipose Tissue

Deep to the skin, especially at the sides buttocks, breasts, padding around the eyes and kidneys

Function of Adipose Tissue

Provides padding and cushions shocks; insulates (Reduce heat lose) stores energy reserves

Reticular Tissue

interwoven reticular fibers, little matrix many fiber and cells

Location of Reticular Tissue

Forms stroma, Spleen, Lymph node, liver & Bone Marrow

Function of Reticular Tissue

Supports soft organs

Dense Fibrous

Many collagen fibers little matrix fibroblasts squeezed between fibers

Location of Dense Elastic

Large Arteries, Bronchial Tubes

Function of Dense Elastic

Provides elasticity to tissue (can stretch 1 1/2 times their length and then recoil

Blood (Vascular Tissue)

consists of blood cells surrounded by blood plasma (matrix), has soluble fiber proteins visible during clotting

Location of Blood (Vascular Tissue)

Blood Vessels of the cardio vascular system

Function of Blood (Vascular Tissue)

Transports gases nutrients fights pathogens

Chondrocytes

Cells included in Cartilage

Lacunae

A space were cells can become trapped during secretion

Diffusion

How Materials get exchanged

Perichondrium

Dense outer sheet of CT

Hyaline Cartilage

Chondrocytes in lacunae, many collagen fibers hidden by clear matrix glassy appearance (most common)

Location of Hyaline Cartilage

Between the ribs and sternum

Covering Bone surfaces at synovial joints (Knee & Elbow)

Supporting Larynx (Voice Box)

Trachea & bronchi forming part of the nasal septum

Fetal Skeleton

Function of Hyaline Cartilage

Provides stiff but some what flexible support reduces friction between boney surface

Elastic Cartilage

Chondrocytes in lacuna elastic fibers, visible in matrix

Location of Elastic Cartilage

Auricle of external ear epiglottis auditory tube, nose (Septum) ends of Ribs

Function of Elastic Cartilage

Provides support but tolerates distortion without damage, and returns to original shape

Fibrous Cartilage (Fibrocartilage)

Chondrocyte in lacuna, high number of microscopic collagen fibers in matrix. All the fibers are going in the same direction.

Location of Fibrous Cartilage

Pads within knee joint between pubic bones of pelvis intervertebral discs

Function of Fibrous Cartilage

Resists compression prevents bone to bone contact limits relative movement

Bone or Osseous Tissue (Osteoblasts)

Secrete matrix off collagen fibers and apatite which crystallizes like concrete cells also trapped in lacunae arranged in concentric circles

apatite

a calcium phosphate compound

Location of Bone or Osseous Tissue

Makes up Skeleton

Function of Bone or Osseous Tissue

Strong and resistant to shattering

Stores Minerals