Connective Tissues

LCT- Areolar

Structure: loose organization of collagen

Function: wraps around, cushions, binds structures

Location: dermis + subcuaneous layer under skin, around organs

LCT- Adipose

Structure: closely packed adipocytes (fat cells)

Function: Stores energy, protects, cushions, + insulates

Location: subcutaneous layer under skin

LCT- Reticular

Structure: scattered arrangement of reticular fibers

Function: supportive framework that holds other cells

Location: spleen, lymph nodes, thymus

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Structure: densely packed, parallel collagen fibers, w/ fibroblast nuclei

Function: resists stress applied in one direction

Location: tendons and most ligaments

Dense Irregular connective tissue

Structure: mostly collagen fibers randomly arranged and clumped together, more ground substance than dense regular

Function: durable, withstands stress from all directions

Location: dermis, periosteum, perichondrium

Elastic Connective Tissue

Structure: mostly densely packed elastic fibers

function: allow some organs to stretch

Location: elastic arteries, bronchial tubes, trachea

Hyaline Cartilage

Structure- glassy looking matrix, covered by perichondrium

Function- smooth joint surfaces, model for bone growth, supports soft tissues

Location- ends of long bones, costal cartilage, most of larynx, trachea, nose

Fibrocartilage

Structure: parallel collagen fibers, no perichondrium

Function: resist compression, absorb shock in some joints

Location: intervertebral discs, pubic symphisis, knee menisci

Elastic Cartilage

Structure: many elastic fibers, covered in perichondrium

Function: allows flexibility while maintaining structure and shape

Location: external ear