Connective Tissue

Connective Tissue

Provides support, binds other tissues, and offers insulation, protection, and substance transport.

Mesenchyme

The type of stem cell from which all connective tissues originate.

Vascularity

Refers to the varying degrees of blood vessel presence in connective tissues.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Composed mostly of non-cellular components that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.

Ground Substance

Watery or gel-like material secreted by cells in the extracellular matrix.

Collagen Fibers

Provide strength to connective tissues.

Elastic Fibers

Allow for flexibility in connective tissues.

Reticular Fibers

Create a supporting framework in connective tissues.

Loose Connective Tissue

A type of connective tissue characterized by open spaces and the ability to hold water and salts.

Areolar Tissue

A type of loose connective tissue found under the epithelium and around organs.

Adipose Tissue

Composed of fat cells (adipocytes) that provide insulation and nutrient supply.

Reticular Tissue

Contains reticular fibers forming a stiff framework to support other cells.

Dense Connective Tissue

Characterized by tightly packed collagen fibers providing strength.

Regular Dense Connective Tissue

Collagen fibers arranged in one direction, found in tendons and ligaments.

Irregular Dense Connective Tissue

Collagen fibers arranged in multiple directions, providing strength in many directions.

Elastic Connective Tissue

Provides flexible cushioning, found between vertebrae and arteries.

Hyaline Cartilage

Glassy appearance with firm ground substance and few collagen fibers, found in the larynx, nose, and ribs.

Fibrocartilage

Contains many parallel collagen fibers, found in intervertebral discs.

Elastic Cartilage

Highly flexible with more elastic fibers, found in the outer ear and nose tip.

Bone (Osseous Tissue)

Composed of osteocytes that secrete ground substances and collagen, which calcifies over time.

Spongy Bone

One of the two types of bone characterized by a porous structure.

Compact Bone

The denser type of bone that provides strength and support.

Blood (Vascular Tissue)

Considered connective tissue due to its plasma ground substance and clotting platelets.

Mast Cells

Specialized cells that detect foreign substances and release inflammatory chemicals.

Macrophages

Specialized cells that engulf invading substances.

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

Carry oxygen throughout the body.

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

Provide immune response to infections.