Connective Tissue and Adipose Tissue

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to connective tissue and adipose tissue, focusing on definitions and descriptions relevant to the lecture for better understanding and exam preparation.

Connective Tissue

A type of tissue that supports, binds together, and protects tissues and organs of the body; includes various types such as bone, blood, and adipose tissue.

Adipose Tissue

A specialized form of loose connective tissue that stores fat in adipocytes, which are characterized by large lipid droplets.

Fibroblast

A cell in connective tissue that produces collagen and other fibers; responsible for synthesizing and maintaining the extracellular matrix.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

A network of non-cellular components in connective tissue that provides structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.

Collagen Fibers

Strong and flexible fibers composed of collagen protein; they provide strength and support to connective tissues.

Ground Substance

The gel-like material in which connective tissue cells are embedded; consists of water, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans.

White Adipose Tissue

A type of adipose tissue composed of unilocular adipocytes, mainly used for energy storage and insulation.

Brown Adipose Tissue

A type of adipose tissue with multilocular adipocytes that generate heat and are more prevalent in infants.

Vitamin C

An essential nutrient required for the synthesis of collagen molecules in connective tissue.

Types of Collagen

Various types of collagen proteins that have different structures and functions, such as Type I (bone), Type II (cartilage), and Type III (reticular fibers).

Tendon

A dense regular connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones, able to withstand tensile stress.

Loose Connective Tissue

A type of connective tissue that has a lot of ground substance and few fibers; allows for flexibility and movement.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Connective tissue that contains many fibers providing strength in multiple directions; found in areas such as the dermis of the skin.

Fibrocytes

Inactive form of fibroblasts that help maintain the extracellular matrix.

Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium

A type of epithelial tissue with a single layer of cells that appears stratified due to differing cell heights, often found in the respiratory tract.

Adipocytes

Specialized cells that store fat in adipose tissue.

Mitochondria

Organelles in cells that produce energy, particularly associated with brown adipose tissue for heat production.

Stroma

The supportive tissue surrounding organs, primarily composed of connective tissue.