lecture epithelial connective tissue

Tissue Guide Overview

• The tissue guide is anchored to one side, attached to the basement membrane or other cells/tissues.

• Nutrient and waste exchange occurs through diffusion, due to the lack of direct blood supply.

• Damaging these cells or tissues won't result in bleeding.

Brown Fat

• Brown fat serves as a better energy reserve for the human body but diminishes after delivery.

• In animals like bears and rodents, brown fat increases before hibernation to store energy for long periods without food.

Dense Connective Tissue

• Definition: Dense connective tissue is characterized by a fibrous matrix making it stronger in a single direction.

• Example: Comparable to pulling ropes, strong in one direction but weaker across multiple directions.

Types of Dense Connective Tissue

• Dense Regular Connective Tissue:

  • Fibers oriented in one direction, providing strength for muscle tendons and ligaments.

  • Tendons: Connect muscles to bones (e.g., bicep to elbow).

  • Ligaments: Connect bone to bone.

• Aponeurosis:

  • A very thin muscle tendon found on the scalp, connecting the frontalis to the occipitalis muscles.

Function of Elastin

• Elastin: A wavy protein fiber that allows for stretching and recoiling, akin to elastic bands.

• Important for maintaining flexibility in tissues.

Matrix Components

• The matrix refers to the ingredients making up connective tissue.

• Interstitial Fluid: The fluid found between tissues that contains hormones and other biological substances.

Pancreas Functions

• The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine functions:

  • Endocrine Function: Involves hormone production (e.g., insulin) which manages blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose uptake by muscles and the liver.

  • Exocrine Function: Aids in digestion by producing digestive juices.

Hormones Released by the Ovary

• The ovaries function as an endocrine gland by secreting hormones (e.g., estrogen).

• Exocrine Function: Produces eggs (oocytes) and releases them through the fallopian tubes to the uterus.

Male Testes Functions

• The testes also serve endocrine and exocrine functions:

  • Endocrine Function: Producing testosterone, which enters the bloodstream.

  • Exocrine Function: Producing sperm for reproduction.