Connective and Adipose Tissues

Question 1

What happens to necrotic cells and why?

Answer 1

Swell and burst Failure of Na+ K+ ATPase. Pumps Na+ 3 out, K+ 2 in. When this doesn’t work, Na+ accumulates inside and water follows.

Question 2

What is normal plasma osmolality?

Answer 2

290mOsmol/kg

Question 3

What is normal saline?

Answer 3

0.9%

Question 4

Where does saline distribute itself?

Answer 4

IV + interstitial.

Question 5

How much K+ is living inside and outside of my cell?

Answer 5

K+ inside: 160 K+ plasma: 5

Question 6

How much Na+ is living outside and inside of my cell?

Answer 6

Na+ inside: 14 Na+ outside: 140

Question 7

What is the normal pH range for a person who wants to stay alive?

Answer 7

7.35 - 7.45

Question 8

Discuss the importance of lactate in the context of shock.

Answer 8

Anaerobic glycolysis occurs as a result of hypoperfusion. Lactic acid is produced and lactic acidosis occurs. Cardiac function is further impaired and this in turn causes more anaerobic glycolysis and a downward spiral.

Question 9

What on earth is a TIGHT junction?

Answer 9

Impermeable barrier.

Question 10

What on earth is a DESMOSOME?

Answer 10

Bind cells together laterally like a molecular “velcro”.

Question 11

What on earth is a GAP junction?

Answer 11

Allow passage of ions and small molecules for intercellular communication.

Question 12

How might I attach my cells to a basal domain?

Answer 12

Hemidesmosomes and focal adhesions.

Question 13

What on earth is a HEMIDESMOSOME?

Answer 13

Protect from abrasions: skin, oral epithelium.

Question 14

What on earth is a FOCAL ADHESION?

Answer 14

Important for cell migration e.g. wound healing, immunity. Dynamic protein structures that tie the cell (intercellular actin) to the ECM. In response to changes in the ECM, the protein complex is knocked down and rebuilt. This enables the cell to move if needed.

Question 15

Which parts of the body utilise neurocrine communication?

Answer 15

Anterior and posterior pituitary Adrenal medulla Hypothalamus

Question 16

What is contact inhibition?

Answer 16

Ensures that cells grow in a monolayer. Growth inhibited by contact with a neighbouring cell.

Question 17

Give some examples of static cells.

Answer 17

CNS, cardiac, skeletal muscle.

Question 18

Give some examples of stable cells.

Answer 18

Fibroblasts, endothelium, smooth muscle.

Question 19

Give some examples of renewing cells.

Answer 19

Blood, skin epithelium, gut epithelium.

Question 20

What might you find on the APICAL domain of a cell?

Answer 20

Microvilli Stereovilli Cilia

Question 21

You are trying to sell me some connective tissue. Give me some major uses for it.

Answer 21

Connects Transports Protects Stores Defends Heals wounds

Question 22

What makes up connective tissue proper?

Answer 22

Cells, fibres and ground substance.

Question 23

I am a cell living in a connective tissue. What kinds of fibres might I meet here?

Answer 23

Collagen: flexible, strong Reticular: framework/sponge for support Elastin: recoil after stretch

Question 24

I am hanging out in the ground substance of some connective tissue. It is very wet and my shoes are soaked through. I wish to write a letter of complaint. Who should I address it to and why?

Answer 24

Proteoglycans Bind glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which attract water to form a gel. E.g. hyaluronic acid.

Question 25

I am mining hyaluronic acid to put in face creams and sell at a substantial profit. Where might I found a good source of this?

Answer 25

In the ground substance of cartilage, allowing it to resist compression but remain flexible.

Question 26

Oh dear, you have found an unlabelled image. Fix it please. Also, what on Earth is it?

Answer 26

A Glycosaminoglycan B Core protein C Linker protein D Hyaluronin molecule D (second) Proteoglycan unit Ground substance of CARTILAGE.

Question 27

I am a connective tissue type (loose or dense). These are my features: Many cells, sparse collagen fibres, lots of ground substance, gel-like consistency. What am I?

Answer 27

Loose CT.

Question 28

I am a connective tissue type (loose or dense). These are my features: Few cells (mainly fibroblasts), many collagen fibres, little ground substance.

Answer 28

Dense CT.

Question 29

I am looking for some loose CT to befriend. Where should I look? Why these hangout spots?

Answer 29

Beneath epithelia (diffusion). Epithelium of glands. Around small vessels. Because pathogens that have breached a surface can be confronted here.

Question 30

Why might loose CT swell so much?

Answer 30

Immune cells fighting off bacteria.

Question 31

Where in the body might I find an excellent source of loose CT?

Answer 31

Superficial dermis of skin, submucosa of colon.