Connective Tissue

Connective Tissue

Provides support and bind other tissues together. They can as well as provide insulation and protection for other tissues. Even some being able transport substances.

What are the characteristics of connective tissues?

Formed from one type of stem cell, they vary in their degree of vascularity, all connective tissues are mostly composed of extracellular matrix.

Types of loose connective tissue

Areolar, Adipose, and Reticular.

Areolar

Mostly open space and holds water and salts.

Where is Areolar found?

Under epithelium and around organs.

Adipose

Fat cells, large vacuoles, insulates, and provides nutrients to other cells.

Reticular

Contains reticular fibers which create a stiff framework that supports other cells.

Types of dense Connective Tissue?

Regular, Irregular, and Elastic.

Regular

Collagen fibers in one direction and “tensile strength”

Where is Regular tissue found?

Tendons and ligaments.

Irregular

Collagen fibers in many directions and provides strength.

Where is Irregular tissue found?

Capsules around organs.

Elastic

Provides flexible cushioning.

Where is Elastic tissue found?

Vertebrae and arteries.

Types of Cartilage

Hyaline, Fibrocartilage, and Elastic.

Hyaline

Glassy looking, firm ground substance, and few collagen fibers.

Where is Hyaline tissue found?

Larynx, bridge of nose, and ribs.

Fibrocartilage

Contains lots of collagen, mostly running parallel.

Where is Fibrocartilage found?

In vertebral spaces.

Elastic (Cartilage)

Highly flexible and more elastic fibers.

Where is Elastic (Cartilage) found?

Outer ear and tip of nose.

Osteocytes

Secrete ground substances, fibers, collagen, and fluids.

The ground substance eventually becomes calcified and hard.

What are the types of Osteocytes?

Spongy and Compact.

Types of Vascular tissue

Mast Cells, Macrophages, and Blood cells.

Mast Cells

Detects foreign substances and contains granules that secret inflammatory chemicals.

Macrophages

Blob-like cells that engulf invading substances or organisms.

Types of Blood Cells

Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, and Platelt.

Red Blood Cells

Erythrocytes (oxygen).

White Blood Cells

Leukocytes (Immune Response)

Platelt

Thrombocyte (Clots Blood after injury).

The most common type of Cartilage

Hyaline

What is Areolars function?

Serves as packing material that cushions and wraps organs.

What is Reticulars function?

Forms a framework.

What is the function of Adipose?

Energy reserves, insulate body heat, and cushions organs.

What is the function of Regular dense tissue?

Tendons connect muscles.

What is the function of Irregular dense tissue?

Strength when pulled in multiple directions.

What is the function of Dense Elastic tissue?

Allows tissue to bounce back after being stretched.

What is the function of Hyaline?

Firm with slight flexibility.

What is the function of Elastic Cartilage?

Flexible and very strong.

What is the function of Fibrocartilage?

Resists hard compression and tension.