Connective Tissues

Types of Tissues

• Blood: 55% plasma, 45% cellular components. Plasma is mostly water and carries dissolved substances.

  • Main Components:

    • Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

    • White Blood Cells (WBCs)

    • Platelets

• Red Blood Cells: Most common blood cell type.

  • Features: Elastic membrane, bright red when oxygenated, dark red when deoxygenated, limited lifespan (120 days).

• White Blood Cells: Largest blood cells.

  • Features: Large nucleus, shape-shifting ability, protect against disease.

    • Lymphocytes: Smaller WBCs, produce antibodies against antigens on pathogens.

• Adipose Tissue: Fatty tissue with mature cells full of fat, nucleus pushed aside.

  • Common locations: Under skin, around organs (heart, kidneys).

  • Functions: Thermoregulation, hydraulic shock absorption, high energy storage.