Histology and Connective Tissue Types: Collagen, Muscle, Cartilage, and Bone

Collagen fibers

the first type of connective tissue, structural protein found in the skin and connective tissue, provides form and strength

elastic fibers

the second type of connective tissue, containing the protein elastin, which is able to stretch and recoil.

reticular fibers

the third type of connective tissue, short, fine, highly branched collagenous fibers, net-like

Adipose tissue

this connective tissue is characterized by fat storage

Adipocytes

cells that store fat are called ____________

Areolar connective tissue

Which connective tissue is known for its loose structure and flexibility?

Skeletal Muscle

What type of muscle tissue has striations and is under voluntary control?

Intercalated discs

What are the specialized junctions found in cardiac muscle called?

Smooth Muscle.

What type of muscle tissue is involuntary and lacks striations?

Neurons

What are the two main types of cells found in the nervous system?

Neuroglia

cells that support and protect neurons

glial cells

same as neuroglia

Blood

What type of connective tissue is characterized by a liquid matrix?

Dense Irregular Connective

can be identified by presence of collagen fibers arranged in a seemingly haphazard manner. ________________ tissue is able to withstand tension exerted in many directions; provides structural integrity

Location: Fibrous capsules of organs and of joints; dermis of the skin; submucosa of digestive tract.

Dense Regular Connective

a strong, fibrous tissue found in tendons and ligaments, characterized by tightly packed, parallel collagen fibers that provide high tensile strength in one direction. this tissue contains fibroblasts

fibroblasts

cells responsible for making and secreting collagen into the extracellular matrix

Hyaline Cartilage

Most common type of cartilage; it is found on the ends of long bones, ribs, and nose

Elastic Cartilage

cartilage with abundant elastic fibers; more flexible than hyaline cartilage

Fibrocartilage

cartilage that contains fibrous bundles of collagen, such as that of the intervertebral disks in the spinal cord

Chondrocytes

cartilage cells

Lacunae

the small cavities in bone that house osteocytes

Osteocytes

bone tissue cells