Anatomy: Connective Tissues, Membranes, Integumentary (continued) Flashcards
Areolar Connective Tissue
A loose tissue that holds organs in place and provides cushioning.
Contains a mix of fibers and cells.
Reticular Connective Tissue
A tissue made of thin fibers that form a supportive network for organs
Dense Regular Connective Tissue
Strong tissue with tightly packed fibers running in the same direction, found in tendons and ligaments.
Dense Irregular Connective Tissue
Thick tissue with fibers arranged in various directions, providing strength and support
Found in the dermis of the skin.
Elastic Connective Tissue
A stretchy tissue containing elastic fibers, allowing structures like arteries to expand and contract.
Hyaline Cartilage
Smooth, glassy cartilage found at the ends of bones and in the nose and trachea, providing support and flexibility.
Fibrocartilage
Tough cartilage with dense fibers
Provides shock absorption
Elastic Cartilage
Flexible cartilage that maintains shape
found in the outer ear
Bone
Hard tissue that makes up the skeleton, providing structure, support, and protection for organs.
Extracellular Matrix
The non-cellular material surrounding cells in connective tissue, providing support and regulating behavior.
Adipose Tissue
Fat tissue that stores energy
Blood
A fluid connective tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste throughout the body.
Collagen Fibers
Strong, flexible fibers that provide strength and structure to connective tissues.
Elastic Fibers
Thin, stretchy fibers that allow tissues to return to their original shape after stretching.
Reticular Fibers
Thin, branching fibers that form a supportive network in organs.
Fibroblast
A cell that produces collagen and other fibers in connective tissue
Chondrocytes
Cells found in cartilage that maintain the cartilage matrix
Adipocytes
Fat cells that store energy in the form of fat.
Red Blood Cells (RBC)
Cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body and carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
Lacunae
Small cavities in bone and cartilage that house cells (osteocytes in bone and chondrocytes in cartilage).
Osteons
The structural units of compact bone, consisting of a central canal surrounded by concentric rings of bone matrix.
Mesothelium
A layer of cells that makes up the serous membranes.
Protection
Synovial Membranes
Membranes that line joint cavities, producing fluid for lubrication and cushioning.
Mucous Membranes
Membranes that line body cavities open to the outside, such as the respiratory and digestive tracts, often secreting mucus.
Goblet Cells
Specialized cells found in mucous membranes that produce and secrete mucus to lubricate and protect surfaces.
Basement Membrane
A thin layer of connective tissue that anchors epithelial tissues to underlying structures and provides support.
