connective tissue

connective tissue

tissue that functions in support, binding, and attatchment of other tissues and other specialized functions (such as blood and lymph). have specialized connective tissue cells and surrounded by a lot of extracellular matrix. highly vascular

collagen fibers

largest, long thick strong, insoluble protein fibers act like tough rope to prevent over-stretching of tissue. Provide tensile strength.

elastic fibers

brown-black, smaller and thiner than collagen fibers. act like tiny rubber bands within tissue. abundant in areas of stretching such as arteries and elastic ligaments. branching wavy

reticular fibers

type of collagen fiber. thin branching fibers that form a FRAMEWORK for organs (liver/spleen). difficult to see with microscope. Interacts to form a 3-D branching network of fibers.

loose CT

a loosely organized, easily distorted connective tissue containing several different fiber types, a varied population of cells, and viscous ground substance. includes areolar CT and Adipose CT.

areolar CT

Loose CT with an open framework; superficial layer of dermis serous membranes, superficial facia

adipose CT

loose CT dominated by adipocytes; within hypodermis (superficial facia); around organs; within long bones

dense CT

a strong, fibrous tissue packed with tough collagen fibers that support and protect the body's structures. includes dense irregular CT, dense regular CT, elastic CT

elastic CT

a specialized type of dense connective tissue packed with branching elastic fibers that allow organs and structures to stretch and safely return to their original shape. External ear pinna (auricle)

Dense irregular CT

deep layer of dermis; tendons; ligaments. packed closely together in random arrangements. type of dense CT.

dense regular CT

type of dense CT. tendons; ligaments; deep fascia; around bone. arranged in parallel rows.

Supporting CT

consists of bone and cartilage, providing a strong, durable framework that shapes the body and protects internal organs. includes Bone, hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, elastic cartilage CT.

Fibrocartilage CT

type of supporting CT. in intervertebral discs; discs in menisci in joints. toughest and strongest type of cartilage in body. built with thick collagen fibers to absorb heavy impact and handle intense pressure.

Hyaline cartilage

a smooth, strong, and flexible type of supportive connective tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints

fluid CT

a specialized type of tissue characterized by living cells suspended in a liquid extracellular matrix instead of a solid or gel-like framework. include lymph and blood

Blood CT

fluid CT within heart chambers and blood vessels

lymph CT

fluid CT within vessels and nodes of the lymphatic system.