Anatomy chapter 4- CONNECTIVE TISSUE

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key cells and structures of connective tissue proper from the lecture slide.

Fibroblasts

The most abundant fixed cells of connective tissue proper that secrete the components of ground substance and protein fibers.

Fibrocytes

The second most abundant cell type in connective tissue proper that maintain connective tissue fibers.

Fascia

Layers of connective tissue described within connective tissue proper.

Common components of connective tissue

Specialized cells, extra cellular protein fibers, fluid called ground substance

Adipocytes

Fat cells

Melanocytes

Synthesize and store melanin

Macrophages

Large phagocytic cells that engulf pathogens and damaged cells

Mast cells

Immune system cells that release histamine and heparin

Histamine

Stimulates inflammation after injury or infection

Heparin

Anticoagulant (prevents clotting)

Lymphocytes

Immune system cells that migrate throughout the body

Microphages

Phagocytic immune system cells

Collagen fibers

Most common fibers in connective tissue proper (long, straight & unbranched)

Collagen fibers provide strength for _____ & ______.

Tendons & ligaments

Reticular fibers

Form a branching network of interwoven fibers (stroma)

Reticular fibers stabilize _________.

The position of cells and structures

Elastic fibers

Branched and wavy fibers that contain protein elastin

Ground substance

Clear, colorless, and viscous substance that fills spaces between cells and slows pathogen movement

Loose connective tissue

Fill spaces between organs, cushion and stabilize cells, and support epithelia

Areolar tissue

Contains very loosely organized cells and protein fibers in an open framework

Adipose tissue

Contains adipocytes and provides cushion, shock absorption, & insulation

Adipocytes expand to ____ ____

Store fat

Adipocytes shrink as ______.

Fats are released

Reticular tissue

Provide support for organs such as liver, kidney, spleen, lymph nodes

Dense connective tissue

Also called collagenous tissues (contain many collagen fibers)

Dense regular connective tissue

Contains parallel, tightly packed collagen fibers

Dense regular connective tissue gives strength to _____.

Tendons, ligaments, & aponeuroses

Tendons attach _____ to ______.

Muscles to bones

Ligaments connect ____

One bone to another & stabilize internal organs

Aponeuroses are tendinous sheets that attach ______.

Broad flat muscle to another structure

Dense irregular connective tissue

Contains interwoven network of collagen fibers with no consistent pattern

Dense connective irregular tissue provides strength to the _____.

Dermis (deep layer of the skin)

Elastic tissue

Dense irregular connective tissue made up mainly of elastic fibers

Where are elastic tissue found?

Large blood vessels, around respiratory passageways

Connective tissues job

Provide strength & stability, maintain position of internal organs, provide routes for blood vessels & nerves

Fascia

Connective tissue wrapping that support and surround organs

Plasma (in blood cells)

The fluid matrix of blood

Blood cells contain:

RBCs, WBCs, & platelets

Lymph

Forms as interstitial fluid enters lymphatic vessels

Cartilage

Provides shock absorption & protection

Matrix is a firm gel which contains polysaccharide derivatives called ______.

Chondrocytes sulfates

Cells in the matrix are chondrocytes found in chambers called _____.

Lacunae

Perichondrium

Membrane that surrounds cartilage

Perichondrium has an outer, fibrous layer for

Support and protection

Perichondrium has an inner, cellular layer for _____.

Growth & maintenance

3 types of cartilage in connective tissues

Hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage

Hyaline cartilage

Tough and somewhat flexible

Where is hyaline cartilage found?

Nose, articulations between bones, synovial joints, larger passageways of the respiratory tracts

Elastic cartilage

Supportive, very flexible

Where is elastic cartilage found?

External ear (pinna) and larynx

Fibrocartilage

Durable & tough

Where is fibrocartilage found?

Joints, between pubic bones, and between spinal vertebrae

Cartilage grows by two mechanisms

Interstitial growth & appositional growth

Interstitial growth

Enlarges cartilage (long/tall)

Appositional growth

Add to outer surface of cartilage (growing wider)

Bone (osseous tissue)

Matrix is calcified and contains collagen fibers

Osteocytes

Bone cells

Osteocytes lie in ___.

Lacunae

Small channels through the matrix (canaliculi) allow for _____.

Exchange of materials

Bone is covered with _____.

Periosteum membrane

Periosteum membrane has _____.

Outer fibrous and inner cellular layer

Periosteum is ___.

Outer covering of bone (like Saran Wrap around bone)