Connective Tissue Overview

Name 2 types of epithelial tissue and their function.

Bell Ringer: 9.4.2013

Connective Tissue· Found everywhere in the body· Includes the most abundant and widely

distributed tissues· Functions

· Binds body tissues together· Supports the body· Provides protection· Insulates to maintain body temperature· Transportation of other molecules

1. common origin- all arise from embryonic tissue (mesenchyme)

2. Degrees of vascularity- cartilage is avascular while other types have rich blood supply

3. Extracellular matrix- connective tissue more able to bear weight, withstand tension, and endure abuses because unlike other tissues it is not made up mostly of cells.

Most abundant tissue in body

Special Characteristics

3 Main ElementsStructural Characteristics

Ground Substance: unstructured material that fills the space between the cells and contains the fibers. This is consists mostly of fluid and proteins. Fibers: provide support. • 3 types: collagen, elastic and

reticular fibers. • Collagen fibers: protein. Extremely tough

and provide high tensile strength. (white)• Elastic fibers: long and thin that form

branches. Elastin protein. Moves like a rubber band. (yellow) Found in skin, lungs, blood vessels.

• Reticular Fibers: very fine fibers that branch extensively. Surround small blood vessels and support tissue of organs.

Cells- composed of many types1. Blast Cells: undifferentiated cells

-fibroblast- chondroblast-osteoblast-hematopoietic stem cells

2. Fat Cells- nutrient storage3. Blood cells- defense4. Plasma Cells-produce antibodies5. Macrophages- dispose of dead tissue cells

and act in immune response

Structural Characteristics Cont.

Types of Connective Tissue

Types of Connective Tissue

Types of Connective TissueConnective Tissue Proper

Loose (Areolar) Connective TissueAdipose Tissue Dense Connective Tissue

Loose Connective TissueFibers not abundantExtensive blood supply Examples of locations

Between skin and musclesAround digestive tractAround blood vessels

“Packing material” of body

Adipose TissueStill loose connective tissueMost of the volume is adipocytesProvides padding, slows heat loss, food

reserveLocations

Common under skin of sides, gluteal, and mammary regions

Wherever there is loose connective tissue

Adipose Tissue

Dense Connective TissueLots of collagen fibersExamples

Tendons (muscle bone)Ligaments (bone bone)

Some has elastic fibers

Supportive Connective Tissue:Cartilage & Bone

CartilageDense network of collagenous fibers & elastic

fibers in a gel-like substanceAvascular…repair capabilities limitedCells –

chondrocytes in lacunaechondroblasts

Perichondrium – surrounds surface of cartilage

Hyaline CartilageMost commonProvides flexibility and supportLocations

Ends of bones larynxTrachea, embryonic skeletonConnecting ribs to sternum

FibrocartilageVisible collagenous fibers with scattered

chondrocytesProvides strength and rigidityLocations

Intervertebral discsSymphysis pubis

Elastic CartilageResilient and flexible

External ear(pinna)EpiglottisAuditory tube

Tolerates distortion without damage

Supportive Connective Tissue:Cartilage & Bone

Bone (aka osseous tissue)Solid matrix (solid Ca cpds)Cells –

Osteocytes in lacunaeOsteoblasts

Periosteum surrounds surface of bone

Bone

Table 4.3

Fluid Connective Tissue: BloodFunctions

Transport mediumRegulation Protection

CompositionPlasma – fluid Formed elements – cells & cell fragments

Red blood cellWhite blood cellPlatelets (important in clotting)

Red Blood Cells

A White Blood Cell