Connective Tissue - Part 1 - Anatomy and Physiology

Connective tissue

Tissue that supports, connects, protects, stores energy, transports materials, and helps defend the body.

Five major functions of connective tissue

Support, connect, protect, store, and transport.

How are connective tissue cells arranged?

They are generally spread apart with extracellular matrix between them.

Extracellular matrix

Material outside and between connective tissue cells.

What makes up the extracellular matrix?

Ground substance and protein fibers.

Ground substance

Material that fills spaces between connective tissue cells and fibers.

Viscous

Thick or sticky and resistant to flowing.

Three major connective tissue fibers

Collagen, reticular, and elastic fibers.

Collagen fibers

Strong but flexible fibers that resist pulling forces.

Collagen memory clue

Collagen = strength/rope.

Reticular fibers

Thin fibers forming a supportive network or framework.

Reticular fiber memory clue

Reticular = net.

Elastic fibers

Fibers that stretch and recoil to their original shape.

Elastic fiber memory clue

Elastic = rubber band.

Three major categories of connective tissue

Connective tissue proper, fluid connective tissue, and supporting connective tissue.

Connective tissue proper

Category containing loose and dense connective tissues.

Fluid connective tissue

Connective tissue with a liquid matrix; blood is the main example.

Supporting connective tissue

Connective tissue including cartilage and bone.