Connective Tissues Flashcards

Flashcards for Connective Tissues Lecture Review

What are the four types of tissues?

Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, and Nervous

List three examples of connective tissues.

Bone, Cartilage, and Blood

What is the general role of connective tissues?

To provide support and bind other tissues together

What are some functions of connective tissues besides support?

Insulation and protection of tissues, transporting substances

What stem cell type forms all connective tissues?

Mesenchyme

What varies in connective tissues regarding blood vessels?

Degree of vascularity (presence of blood vessels)

What is the primary component of all connective tissues?

Extracellular matrix

What are the two main components of the extracellular matrix?

Ground substance and fibers

What are the three types of fibers found in the extracellular matrix?

Collagen, elastic, and reticular

List three types of loose connective tissue.

Areolar, adipose, and reticular

List three types of dense connective tissue.

Regular, irregular, and elastic

Describe areolar connective tissue's main characteristics.

Mostly open space, holds water and salts, found under epithelium and around organs

What is the primary cell type in adipose tissue?

Adipocytes (fat cells)

What is the function of the vacuoles in adipocytes?

To contain fat/oil

Besides insulation, what is another function of adipose tissue?

Provides nutrients to other cells

Which fibers are contained in reticular loose connective tissue?

Reticular fibers

What is the function of reticular fibers contained in reticular loose connective tissue?

Create a stiff framework that supports other cells

How are collagen fibers arranged in regular dense connective tissue?

In one direction

What type of strength does regular dense connective tissue provide?

Tensile strength

Where is regular dense connective tissue found?

Tendons and ligaments

How are collagen fibers arranged in irregular dense connective tissue?

In many directions

What type of strength does irregular dense connective tissue provide?

Strength in multiple directions

Where is irregular dense connective tissue found?

Capsules around organs

Where is elastic dense connective tissue found?

Between vertebrae and in arteries

Name the three types of cartilage.

Hyaline, fibrocartilage, and elastic

What are the main identifying features of hyaline cartilage?

Glassy looking, firm ground substance with lacunae, few collagen fibers

Where is hyaline cartilage found?

Larynx, bridge of nose, ribs

What is the primary fiber type in fibrocartilage?

Collagen, mostly running parallel

Where is fibrocartilage found?

Intervertebral spaces

Where is elastic cartilage found?

Outer ear and tip of nose