Ch 6A: Connective Tissue Flashcards
Characteristics of connective tissue
cells farther apart, and held together by matrix
all C.T. is vascular, except Cartilage (avascular); nutrients and wastes can diffuse through the semi-solid matrix of Cartilage, but blood vessels cannot pass through
matrix made by fibroblasts; contains the protein Collagen which gives support, and is found in all C.T.; other proteins in matrix include Reticulin which forms a network and gives some support, and is found in glands and lymphoid tissues; and Elastin which gives some flexibility and stretch ability, and is found in the lungs and urinary bladder.
other cells in C.T. include macrophages (phagocytic); and mast cells (secrete histamine for the allergic response)
What are the four types of CT Proper?
- dense regular CT (white fibrous)
- dense irregular CT
- Loose CT (Areolar CT)
- Adipose Tissue (fatty tissue)
what is the structure of dense regular CT (White fibrous)
parallel arrangement of thick collagen fibers
where is dense regular CT located?
Tendons (muscle to bone) and Ligaments (bone to bone)
what is the function of dense regular CT
strong connection
what is the structure of dense irregular CT
random arrangement of thick collagen fibers;
what is the function of dense irregular CT
support and protection
where is the dense irregular CT located
dermis of the skin and capsules around kidneys
what is the structure of loose CT (areolar CT)
random arrangement of thin collagen fibers;
what is the function of loose CT
allows for passage of blood vessels and nerves;
where is loose CT located
dermis of skin; and muscle
what is the structure of adipose tissue (fatty tissue)
adipocytes embedded in loose C.T.
what is the function of adipose tissue
cushion / protection; temperature regulation
where is adipose tissue located
hypodermic of skin (subcutaneous layer), around heart, kidneys, and abdominal organs.
what are the two types of adipose tissue
- white/yellow which can act as the thermo-regulator and cushion or protect
- brown which is present in newborns, and is replaced by the white/yellow. The brown adipose tissue is mainly involved in thermoregulation.
what are the six types of special CT
- cartilage
- hyaline cartilage
- elastic cartilage
- fibrocartilage
- bone
- blood
what is the structure of cartilage
avascular; chondrocytes located in lacunae in a semi-solid matrix
what is the function of cartilage
support and flexibility
where is the cartilage located
joints, nose and ears
what is the structure of hyaline cartilage
chondrocytes in moderate collagen-rich matrix
what is the function of hyaline cartilage
support and some protection
where is hyaline cartilage located
forms semi-circular rings around trachea; keeps airway from closing; also connects ribs to sternum
what is the structure of elastic cartilage
chondrocytes in elastin-rich matrix
what is the function of elastic cartilage
support and flexibility
where is elastic cartilage located
ears and nostrils
what is the structure of fibrocartilage
chondrocytes in abundant collagen-rich matrix;
what is the function of fibrocartilage
support and much protection
where is the fibrocartilage located
intervertebral discs of vertebral column
what is the structure of bone
vascular; osteocytes located in lacunae in a solid matrix
what is the function of bone
support and
protection
where is bone located
attachment site for tendons and ligaments; and blood cell production
compact bone
gives strength and support
spongy bone
offers some flexibility
what is the structure of blood?
cells include Erythrocytes (RBC’s); Leukocytes (WBC’s); and Thrombocytes (platelets)
what are the three types of membranes
- mucous membrane
- serous membrane
- mesenteries
what is the structure of the mucous membrane
composed of Ciliated Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium with Goblet Cells
what is the function of the mucous membrane
lines passageways that open to the outside of the body
what is the location of the mucous membrane
lines the nasal and oral cavities; and lines the tubes of the respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.
what is the structure of the serous membrane
double membranes of loose C.T. covered by a layer of simple squamous epithelium or mesothelium.
Visceral refers to the inner layer of the membrane, closest to the organ
parietal refers to the outer layer of the membrane, farthest from the organ).
peritoneum
which lines abdominal and pelvic walls and covers organs
pericardium
which lines the pericardial cavity (heart)
pleura
lines the pleural cavities (lungs) and the wall of the thorax
what is the function of mesenteries
suspend organs in the abdomino-pelvic cavity; also serves as point of attachment for organs; and allows nerves and blood vessels to pass through
what are the locations of mesenteries
Omentum (attaches to stomach); and Broad Ligament (attaches to uterus).
