Connective Tissue

Areolar Connective Tissue

Loose, gel-like matrix with collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers; many cell types

Function of Areolar Connective Tissue

Wraps and cushions organs, binds tissues

Location of Areolar Connective Tissue

Under epithelia (lamina propria), around organs, capillaries

Adipose Tissue

Closely packed fat cells with little matrix

Function of Adipose Tissue

Energy storage, insulation, protection of organs

Location of Adipose Tissue

Under skin (subcutaneous), around kidneys, eyes, abdomen, breasts

Reticular Connective Tissue

Network of reticular fibers forming a soft internal skeleton

Function of Reticular Connective Tissue

forms supportive framework (stroma)

Location of Reticular Connective Tissue

Lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Parallel bundles of collagen fibers; very strong

Function of Dense Regular Connective Tissue

strong attachment, resists pulling in one direction

Location of Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Tendons, ligaments

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Irregularly arranged collagen fibers

Function of Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Withstands tension in many directions

Location of Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Dermis of skin, capsules of organs and joints

Hyaline Cartilage

Smooth, glassy matrix; collagen fibers not visible

Function of Hyaline Cartilage

Support; reduces friction at joints

Location of Hyaline Cartilage

Tracheal rings, nose, ribs to sternum, articular surfaces of bones

Elastic Cartilage

Similar to hyaline but with visible elastic fibers

Function of Elastic Cartilage

Maintains shape while allowing flexibility

Location of Elastic Cartilage

External ear (pinna), epiglottis

Fibrocartilage

Thick collagen fibers with rows of chondrocytes

Function of Fibrocartilage

Absorbs shock; resists compression and tension

Location of Fibrocartilage

Intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, knee menisci

Bone (Osseous Tissue)

Hard, calcified matrix with collagen; osteons present

Function of Bone

Support, protection, hematopoiesis mineral storage

Location of Bone

Bones of the skeleton

Blood

Cells suspended in plasma (fluid matrix)

Function of Blood

Transport gases, nutrients, wastes, imune defense, clotting

Location of Blood

Within blood vessels

Avascular

Cartilage

Poorly vascularized

Dense connective tissue

Highly vascularized

Bone, adipose

Most common connective tissue

Areolar

Strongest connective tissue

Dense regular connective tissue