Connective Tissue Characteristics

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and characteristics related to connective tissues.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that provides support, structure, protection, and insulation for the body.

Basal Lamina

A layer created by connective tissues that allows epithelium to be connected to other body structures.

Connective Tissue Fibers

Three main types: collagen, reticular, and elastic.

Collagen Fibers

The most abundant fiber in connective tissues, providing high tensile strength.

Reticular Fibers

Thinner fibers forming a mesh-like network to hold organs and blood vessels in place.

Elastic Fibers

Fibers that can stretch and return to their original shape, composed of elastin.

Loose Connective Tissue

Tissue that cushions organs and fills spaces between them.

Areolar Tissue

A type of loose connective tissue with a high volume of ground substance, acting as a shock absorber.

Adipose Tissue

Fat tissue that stores energy, provides padding, and insulates the body.

Reticular Tissue

Tissue containing reticular fibers that supports soft organs like the liver and spleen.

Dense Connective Tissue

Connective tissue primarily made of collagen fibers, categorized into dense regular and dense irregular connective tissue.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Tissue with tightly packaged parallel collagen fibers, found in tendons and ligaments.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Tissue that resists stress from multiple directions with an interwoven network of fibers.

Fluid Connective Tissues

Tissues that include blood and lymph, containing a fluid matrix and suspended cells.

Blood

A fluid connective tissue containing plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in immune response and fighting infections.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that can develop into plasma cells to produce antibodies.

Cartilage

A type of supporting connective tissue composed of chondrocytes in a gel-like matrix.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most common type of cartilage, providing stiff but somewhat flexible support.

Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage with a high number of elastic fibers, allowing for flexibility.

Fibrocartilage

Tough cartilage with interwoven collagen fibers that resist compression and prevent bone-to-bone contact.

Bone

A type of supporting connective tissue made largely of calcium phosphate and collagen.