Connective and Adipose Tissues

Question 1

Define ‘connective tissue’

Answer 1

Cells embedded in extracellular matrix that connects, supports and binds

Question 2

List 3 common cell types found in connective tissue

Answer 2

• Fibroblasts
• Macrophages
• Mast Cells
• Myofibroblasts
• Adipocytes

Question 3

What is the function of fibroblasts in connective tissue?

Answer 3

• Synthesise and secrete fibres for extracellular matrix

- Important in wound healing

Question 4

What are the 3 components of connective tissue?

Answer 4

• Cells
• Fibres
• Ground Substance

Question 5

What is the function of macrophages in connective tissue?

Answer 5

• Respond to inflammation by phagocytosis

- Present foreign material to T-cells

Question 6

What is the function of mast cells in connective tissue?

Answer 6

• Specifically bind antigens

- Send signals to lymphocytes

Question 7

What is the extracellular matrix and what is its function in connective tissue?

Answer 7

• Complex extracellular structural network of ground substance and fibres
• Provides support and transportation network

Question 8

What are the constituents of Ground Substance?

Answer 8

• Water

- Proteoglycans covalently bonded to GAGs

Question 9

What is the most common type of collagen?

Answer 9

Type I

Question 10

What are the two types of Adipocyte?

Answer 10

Unilocular and Multilocular

Question 11

Give two differences between white and brown adipose tissue

Answer 11

• White has one large lipid droplet, brown has multiple small lipid droplets
• Brown adipose tissue is normally only found in babies
• Brown adipose tissue has many more mitochondria making fat breakdown quicker

Question 12

What are the constituents of collagen?

Answer 12

Fibrils (fibres and fibre bundles)

Question 13

What are reticular fibres?

Answer 13

Type III collagen in which fibres in dense connective tissue that provide a supportive framework/sponge

Question 14

What are elastic fibres?

Answer 14

A fibre in connective tissue that allows tissues to recoil after stretch or distension

Question 15

What elements make up Areolar Tissue?

Answer 15

• Multiple cells including fibroblasts
• 2 types of fibres (collagen, elastic)
• Gel-like extracellular matrix

Question 16

Name 2 places where Areolar tissue is found

Answer 16

• Surrounds epithelial basal lamina

- Around glands and nerves

Question 17

What is the function of Areolar Tissue?

Answer 17

• Holds vessels
• Permits cell migration
• Packaging around organs

Question 18

What are the two types of Dense Tissue and how do they differ?

Answer 18

Irregular - Fibres run in all directions
- Resists stress in all directions

Regular - Parallel fibres
- Resists stress in one direction

Question 19

What substances form dense connective tissue?

Answer 19

• Fibroblasts

- Collagen I Fibres

Question 20

Give an example of regular and irregular dense connective tissue

Answer 20

Regular - Tendons, Ligaments

Irregular- Submucosa, Deep dermis layer

Question 21

What is a Myotendinous Junction?

Answer 21

Collagen Junction between skeletal muscle fibres and tendon collages bundles

Question 22

What are the components and proportions of a tendon?

Answer 22

68% water
30% collagen
2% elastin

Question 23

What is a ligament? Give an example

Answer 23

• Connects bone to bone

- Cruciate ligament in knee

Question 24

What are the 3 types of Fascia and what are they made of?

Answer 24

• Superficial
• Deep
• Visceral/Parietal
• Made of fibrous connective tissue

Question 25

What is the function of a Fascia?

Answer 25

To flexibly separate muscle groups

Question 26

What causes Scurvy and what is its effect on collagen?

Answer 26

- Vitamin C deficiency | - Lack of vitamin C disrupts collagen formation and fibres can thicken

Question 27

Name 2 symptoms of Scurvy

Answer 27

- Gum disease - Bruising - Bleeding - Poor wound healing

Question 28

What kind of disorder is Marfan’s and what does it affect?

Answer 28

- Autosomal Dominant Disorder | - Affects Fibrillin 1 gene

Question 29

What defect is present in Marfan’s Syndrome?

Answer 29

The person has abnormal elastic tissue so it cannot recoil after being stretched

Question 30

What parts of the body can Marfan’s Syndrome affect?

Answer 30

- At risk of AAA due to the aorta being unable to recoil when under extreme pressure - Decreased elasticity in alveoli

Question 31

What are the symptoms of Marfan’s Syndrome?

Answer 31

- Abnormally tall - Arachnodactyly (abnormally long fingers and toes in comparison to palm/sole - Longer ‘wing span’ than height - Risk of aortic rupture

Question 32

How is collagen affected in Osteogenesis Imperfecta?

Answer 32

Collagen fibres are mutated and do not knit together

Question 33

What causes Osteogenesis Imperfecta?

Answer 33

- Genetic Aetiologies

Question 34

Name 2 symptoms of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Answer 34

- Brittle bones - Short stature - Hearing loss - Hypermobile joints