Chapter 2 Flashcards
What does the abbreviation CT stand for?
Connective Tissue
CT consists of _____ & ______
supportive cells & extracellular matrix
Matrix is composed of:
ground substance & fibers.
Functions of CT:
x4
- provide a structural support
- provide a medium for exchange of nutrients
- defense/protection
- storage of adipose
Characteristics of CT:
x4
- Most derived from mesenchyme
- support cells separated by matrix
- support cells produce matrix
- cells adhere to matrix
Ground Substance is made up of what?
Glycosaminoglycans, Proteoglycans, Adhesive glycoproteins, other.
Glycosaminoglycans = ?
Important Trait
Mucopolysaccharids
Hydrophilic
Glycosaminoglycans are composed of:
Sulfated GAG’s and Non-Sulfated GAG’s
Sulfated GAG’s
examples
keratin sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, heparin sulfate, dermatin sulfate
Sulfated GAG’s
Points of Interest
smaller molecules 10-40 kDA
Covalently bonded to proteins
Non-sulfated GAG’s
examples
Hyaluronic Acid = HA = Hyaluronan
Non-sulfated GAG’s
Points of Interest
Large molecules 100-1000’s kDa
Forms a dense molecular network
Holds much H2O (important for allowing diffusion in some tissues)
Positive aspects of inflammation
- Increased fluidity will aid in cell movement
2. Increases numbers of defensive cells
Negative aspects of inflammation
Excessive swelling can damage blood vessels, nerves & cells.
Edema: excessive fluid remaining in the interstitial spaces
What are proteoglycans?
Protein core with many sulfated GAG’s attached
Adhesive Glycoproteins
examples
laminin, fibronectin
Types of Fibers
Collagen, Elastic, Reticular
Collagen
Characteristics
x4
Many different types
Most common CT protein
Type 1 collagen accounts for ~90% of thet total body collagen
Type 1 is known for its great tensile strength but it does NOT stretch
T/F
Collagen is a very complex molecule that is coded for on many genes in the body. Noncritical pathologies can be associated with improperly produced Collagen I.
False.
serious pathologies are associated with improperly formed Collagen I.
Collagen
Aging x2
- Fiber production slows
2. The fibers are weaker
T/F
Vitamin C is necessary for the proper cross-linking (bonding) within the collagen I fiber
True.
If not enough Vitamin C lack proper placement of bonds. Therefore Collagen I structure is weaker (scurvy)… increased Collagen II breakdown.
T/F
Elastic Fibers = Collagen II
False
Elastic Fibers are DIFFERENT than Collagen Type II
Elastic Fibers
Characteristics:
x5 (composition, stretch, location, production, complexity)
Composed of Elastin & Microfibrils
Can Stretch 150% of its resting length
Important in blood vessels and lungs
Commonly produced by fibroblasts (CT and smooth muscle cells, BV)
Simpler fiber than Collagen I so easier for cells to make
Elastic Fibers
Aging:
Pathologies:
As age increases the number of elastic fibers will decrease (skin as example- wrinkles)
In general: fewer pathologies associated with this fiber type
Marfan’s Syndrome
define
Hereditary condition of CT, bones, muscle, ligaments and skeletal structure. DEFECTIVE ELASTIC FIBERS IN TISSUES.
Marfan’s Syndrome
Characteristics
x4
- Irregular and unsteady gate
- Tall lean body type with long extremities
- Abnormal joint flexibility, flat feet, stooped shoulders and dislocation of optic lens
- Aorta usually dilated and may become weakened, allowing an aneurysm to develop
T/F
Reticular Fibers = Collagen Type III
True
Reticular Fibers
Characteristics
x3 (production, life span, pathologies)
- Easy to produce (produced by reticular cells)
- Last ~3 days
- No known serious pathologies associated with this fiber
Reticular Fibers
Aging:
Wound healing:
Does not affect this fiber
First fiber produced during wound healing
What cells make up CT?
Fibroblasts, Fibrocytes, Myofibroblasts, Adipocytes, Plasma Cells, Macrophages, Mast Cells, Leukocytes, Mesenchyme Cells, & Reticular Cells
Fibroblasts
Characteristics
x5 (derived from, important in, mobility, division, change)
Usually derived from mesenchyme cells
Very important cell type in ordinary CT
Generally a fixed cell but can move about somewhat
May occasionally divide- primarily during wound healing
May change into other cell types under special conditions
Fibroblasts
Examples of change to other cell types:
to adipocytes
to chondrocytes: during fibrocartilage formation
to osteoblasts: certain pathologies