Connective Tissue Flashcards
Define tissue:
A group of cells that usually have a common embryonic origin and function together to carry out specialised activities
Explain tissue organisation:
Specialised cell -> Tissue -> Organ -> System -> Organism
Bone is what type of tissue?
Hard
Fat is what type of tissue?
Semisolid
Blood is what type of tissue?
Liquid
What are epithelial tissue cells?
Covers body surface and lines hollow organs, cavities, ducts, glands
Act as first line of immunity
What are connective tissue cells?
Protect, support and bind organs
Store energy as fat
Major transport system
What are muscular tissue cells?
Specialised for contraction and force generation
Generate body heat
What are nervous tissue cells?
Detect change in environmental conditions
Respond to changes through electrical signals (action potentials)
What are the 2 basic elements of connective tissue?
Cells
Extracellular matrix
What is the Extracellular matrix consisted of?
Protein fibres and ground substance
What are the functions of connective tissue?
Binds and supports body tissues
Protects and insulates internal organs
Compartmentalize structures, e.g. skeletal muscles
Major transport system (blood)
Stores energy as adipose tissue
Main source of immune response (platelets/ lymph)
What is the suffix for immature cells?
- Blast
e. g. fibroblasts, chondroblasts, osteoblasts
What are the function of immature connective cells?
Retain the capacity for cell division and secrete extracellular matrix
What produces the extracellular matrix?
Immature connective cells secrete the extracellular matrix
What is the suffix for mature cells?
-Cyte
When do immature cells differentiate into mature cells?
Once the extracellular matrix is secreted
Once an immature connective cell differentiates, what happens to it’s role?
It has a reduced capacity for cell division and is mostly involved in maintenance of the matrix
What are the 6 types of connective tissue cells?
Fibroblasts Adipocytes / Lipocytes Macrophages Lymphocytes Mast cells Plasma cells
What are the resident connective tissue cells?
Fibroblasts
Adipocytes / Lipocytes
What are the fluctuating connective tissue cells?
Macrophages
Lymphocytes
Mast cells
Plasma cells
What is the function of Adipocytes / Lipocytes?
Store and synthesise fats
What is the function of Fibroblasts?
Secrete extracellular matrix and active during wound repair
What is the function of Macrophages?
Immunity, engulf and digest bacteria / foreign bodies through Phagocytosis
What is the function of Lymphocytes?
Immunity, migration to sites of parasitic invasion and allergic response
What is the function of Mast cells?
Produce histamine (vasodilation), also involved in defence mechanism
What is the function of Plasma cells?
Involved in defence mechanism by secreting antibodies
What are the ground substances in the extracellular matrix?
The material between the cells and fibres:
- Fluid
- Semifluid
- Gelatinous
- Calcified
- Water
- Combinations of polysaccharides
- Proteoglycans
What is the role of ground substances in the extracellular matrix?
Support cells and provide a medium for substance exchange
Tissue development, migration and proliferation
Mechanical barrier
Presents adhesion proteins (fibronectin)
What are the three main extracellular matrix fibres embedded in the matrix?
Collagen
Elastic
Reticular