Anatomy 1 Connective Tissues

  • Connective tissue types (Areolar Connective Tissue) 

  • A type of loose connective tissue 

  • The cells are called: fibroblasts  

  • It has a loosely arranged protein fibers arranged in all directions 

  • Locations: between the skin and deeper tissues; in the dermis 

  • Function: 

  • Holds water 

  • Connects other tissues together 

  • Connective tissue types (Dense Regular Connective Tissue) 

  • Cells are called: fibroblasts 

  • Has protein fibers that are tightly packed and parallel (all in the same direction) 

  • Very strong and tough 

  • Forms: tendons and ligaments 

  • Connective tissue types (Dense Irregular Connective Tissue) 

  • Cells are called: fibroblasts  

  • Has fibers that are tightly packed and arranged in many different directions 

  • Strong and tough 

  • Forms: part of the dermis and joint capsules  

  • Connective tissue types (Adipose Tissue) 

  • Adipose tissue or fat (classified as a loose connective tissue) 

  • Cells are called: adipocytes 

  • Has very little extracellular matrix 

  • Functions: long term energy storage, cushioning, insulation 

  • Connective tissue types (Reticular Connective Tissue) 

  • Classified as loose connective tissue 

  • Cells are called: reticulocytes 

  • Has reticular (delicate fibers) fibers which are loosely arranged 

  • Found in: liver and spleen 

  • Connective tissue types (Cartilage) 

  • Cartilage: there are three subtypes of cartilage, but all have these characteristics: 

  • The cells are called: condrocytes 

  • Lacunae 

  • Their matrix is gel-like 

  • The function to cushion and support 

  • Cartilage Subtypes 

  • Hyaline cartilage 

  • Description: gel like matrix but no visible protein fibers 

  • Forms: joints on end of bones, connects ribs, and fetal skeleton 

  • Fibrocartilage 

  • Description: gel like matrix with tightly packed protein fibers 

  • Forms intervertebral discs and the pubic symphysis 

  • Elastic cartilage 

  • Elastic fibers in a gel-like matrix 

  • Forms: elasticity to body parts such as the ear 

  • Connective tissue types (Bone tissue) 

  • Cells are called: osteocytes 

  • Lacunae: 

  • The matrix is solid, made of calcium and other electrolytes and protein 

  • Bone is a solid tissue 

  • Two types of bone tissue: 

  • Compact bone: solid bones 

  • Spongy bone: forms inside of bones 

  • Connective tissue types (blood) 

  • Has a liquid matrix and is a liquid tissue 

  • The cells are called: red and white blood cells 

  • Functions: transports substances throughout the body 

  • Muscle Tissue (The Third Major Type of Tissue) 

  • Function: moves things 

  • The cells contain contractile proteins 

  • The subtypes: 

  • Skeletal 

  • Cardiac 

  • Smooth 

  • Muscle tissue Types (Skeletal Muscle) 

  • Moves the bones/skeleton 

  • Voluntary 

  • Cell shape: cylindrical 

  • Nuclei (many in each cell) 

  • Striated 

  • Muscle tissue Types (cardiac Muscle) 

  • Forms the heart muscle 

  • It is involuntary 

  • Cell shape: cylindrical and branched 

  • Nuclei (1-3) 

  • Striated 

  • Intercalated discs: connect all the cells together and allows them to contract as one unit 

  • Muscle tissue Types (smooth muscle) 

  • Also called visceral muscle 

  • Forms the muscle in internal organs like the organs of the digestive tract 

  • Involuntary 

  • Cell shape: Spindel shaped 

  • Only one nuclei per cell 

  • Not striated 

  • Nervous Tissue (The 4th Major Type of Tissue) 

  • Sometimes just nerve tissue 

  • Forms the brain, spinal cord, and nerves 

  • Made of two major cell types: 

  • Neurons: send nerve impulses 

  • Neuroglial cells: do not have impulses but support/take care of neurons