Basics of Connective Tissue and Cartilage - Vocabulary Flashcards (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on connective tissue and cartilage.

Connective tissue

Tissue that binds, supports, and connects body parts; composed of cells, ground substance, and fibers.

Ground substance

Amorphous gel in the extracellular matrix facilitating diffusion of nutrients and gases.

Extracellular matrix

Network surrounding CT cells made of ground substance and fibers.

CT fibers

Protein fibers in CT: collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers.

Collagen

Structural protein providing tensile strength; major CT fiber produced by fibroblasts.

Elastic fibers

Elastin fibers with fibrillin that stretch and recoil; found in skin, lungs, arteries.

Reticular fibers

Fine collagen fibers forming supportive networks in lymphoid organs.

Fibroblasts

Most numerous CT cells; synthesize CT fibers.

Fibrocytes

Mature, less active form of fibroblasts.

Adipocytes

Fat cells that store lipids; form adipose tissue.

Adipose tissue

CT tissue composed of adipocytes; stores energy and provides insulation.

Melanocytes

Pigment cells in skin and eye that produce melanin.

Melanin

Dark pigment protecting against UV; gives color to skin, iris, choroid.

Mast cell

CT cell that secretes histamine during allergic responses.

Histamine

Vasoactive mediator causing dilation of vessels; responsible for itching and swelling.

Macrophages

Phagocytic cells (histiocytes) that remove foreign substances and debris.

Histiocytes

Macrophages; phagocytic cells involved in immunity.

Plasma cells

Antibody-producing cells derived from B cells.

Antibodies

Immunoglobulins produced by plasma cells that bind antigens.

Leukocytes

White blood cells; participate in immunity and inflammation.

Immunity

Defense against pathogens; can be humoral or cellular.

Perichondrium

Dense irregular CT surrounding cartilage; inner cellular layer with chondroblasts and outer fibrous layer.

Avascular

Lacking direct blood supply; cartilage nourished by diffusion.

Chondroblasts

Young cartilage cells in perichondrium that secrete ground substance.

Chondrocytes

Mature cartilage cells located in lacunae; form cell nests.

Lacunae

Small cavities within cartilage housing chondrocytes.

Isogenous groups

Clusters of 2–4 chondrocytes from a single chondroblast.

Territorial matrix

Basophilic matrix surrounding lacunae.

Inter-territorial matrix

Matrix between lacunae; less basophilic.

Hyaline cartilage

Glassy cartilage with a firm, flexible support; found in joints, trachea, thyroid cartilage.

Elastic cartilage

Cartilage rich in elastic fibers for shape and flexibility (e.g., pinna, epiglottis).

White fibrocartilage

Cartilage with thick type I collagen bundles; found in intervertebral discs; lacks perichondrium.

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease due to articular cartilage degeneration; limited regeneration.

Osteoporosis

Loss of bone density leading to weak bones.

Osteogenesis imperfecta

Genetic disorder of collagen causing brittle bones.

Keloid

Excess collagen formation during wound healing.

Marfan’s syndrome

Genetic disorder with defective elastic fibers; risk of aorta rupture and lens dislocation.

Loose (areolar) connective tissue

Widely distributed CT with loose network of fibers; surrounds muscles, nerves, vessels.

Dense irregular connective tissue

Dense CT with fibers in multiple directions; found in dermis, fascia.

Dense regular connective tissue

Dense CT with fibers aligned in parallel; forms tendons and ligaments.

Reticular tissue

Specialized CT with reticular fibers forming supportive stroma in organs.

Cartilage

Specialized CT with cells (chondrocytes) and extracellular matrix; avascular.

Bone

Specialized CT with mineralized matrix providing support and calcium storage.

Blood

Specialized CT with fluid matrix (plasma) and formed elements; transports substances.