4.1 - Connective Tissue Flashcards
What are the 2 basic components of connective tissue?
- Cells
2. ECM
What are the 2 basic components of the ECM?
- Fibres (collagen, reticular, elastic)
2. Ground substance
Which type of tissue provides mechanical support to muscle, nerve, and epithelial tissue?
Connective tissue
Which type of tissue provides metabolic and physiological support to muscle, nerve, and epithelial tissue?
Connective tissue
What are the 2 types of connective tissue proper?
- Loose connective tissue
2. Dense connective tissue
What are the 2 types of embryonic connective tissue?
- Mesenchymal (location: mesoderm)
2. Mucus (location: umbilical cord)
Where would you find embryonic mucus connective tissue?
Umbilical cord
What is the function of fibroblasts?
Synthesize and maintain ECM
What are 2 substances synthesized by fibroblasts? (Hint: components of ECM.)
- Fibres (collagen, reticular, elastic)
2. Ground substance
What type of cells synthesize collagen fibres?
Fibroblasts
What type of cells synthesize reticular fibres?
Fibroblasts
What type of cells synthesize elastic fibres?
Fibroblasts
What type of cells synthesize ground substance?
Fibroblasts
What are fibrocytes?
Mature and less active fibroblasts
What are mesenchymal cells?
Stem cells originating from the mesenchyme
List 5 derivatives of mesenchymal cells
- Chondroblasts (cartilage)
- Lipoblasts (fat)
- Fibroblasts (supporting tissue)
- Osteoblasts (bone)
- Myoblasts (skeletal muscle)
What are macrophages?
Cells that ingest unwanted material
What white blood cell precursor do macrophages derive from?
Monocytes
What happens to monocytes in tissues?
Differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells
Macrophages are antigen-presenting cells. What do antigen-presenting cells do?
Present antigens for recognition by T cells
What would you call macrophages of the liver?
Kuepfer cells
What would you call macrophages of the CNS?
Microglia
What would you call macrophages of the bone?
Osteoclasts
What are mast cells?
Granule-rich white blood cells that mediate allergy and immunity
3 components of mast cell granules.
- Heparin
- Histamine
- Cytokines
How does heparin in mast cells improve immune response?
Anti-coagulant; flow of white blood cells and antibodies to the area
How does histamine in mast cells improve immune response?
Increases vessel permeability; flow of white blood cells and antibodies to the area
How do cytokines in mast cells improve immune response?
Attract eosinophils and neutrophils
Describe the role of mast cells in type I hypersensitivity (i.e., allergic reaction).
B-cells produce IgE antbodies ->
Mast cells become coated with IgE ->
Upon exposure to the antigen, mast cells release inflammatory factors
What is anaphylaxis?
A severe allergic reaction that may cause death
What stain gives mast cells an intense purple color?
Giemsa
What is the primary function of the ECM?
Determine the morphology and function of the tissue
What is ground substance?
Gel-like matrix in which components of the ECM are embedded
List the 3 main components of ground substance.
- GAGs (glycosaminoglycans)
- Proteoglycans
- Glycoproteins
How do the components of ground substance (i.e., GAGs, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins) render it useful for resisting compressing and providing lubrication?
- Inflexible
2. Hydrophilic
Why would you inject hyaluronic acid (a GAG) into a joint to improve mobility?
Attaches to a proteoglycan to form hyaluronate proteoglycan aggregate, which resists compression and provides lubrication
What is the most common protein in the body?
Collagen
Which dye stains collagen bright red?
Picro-Sirius Red