Ch. 4 (cont.) Flashcards
The ground substance and fibers between cells in a connective tissue
Matrix
A large, flat cell that secretes most of the matrix (extra cellular) material of areolar and dense connective tissues
Fibroblasts
A cell found in areolar connective tissue that releases, histamine, a dilator of small blood vessels, during inflammation
Mast cell
(Also called fat cells) connective tissue cells that store triglycerides (fats)
Adipocyte
A protein that is the main organic constituent of connective tissue
Collagen
Can recoil to its original shape after being stretched
Elastin
Consists of a dense network of collagen fibers and elastic fibers firmly embedded in chondroitin sulfate
Cartilage
Cells of mature cartilage that occur singly or in groups
Chondrocyte
Membrane of dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds the surface of most cartilage
Perichondrium
Bony; bone tissue
Osseous tissue
Concentric rings of matrix that consist of mineral salts, which give bone its hardness, and collagen fibers, which give bone its strength
Lamellae
Mature bone cells
Osteocytes
Skeletal muscle tissue; the cells contain alternating light and dark bands called striations that are visible under a light microscope
Striated
Can be made to contract or relax by conscious control
Voluntary
Contraction is not consciously controlled
Involuntary