Connective tissue Flashcards
Describe the components of connective tissue proper
Various cells, matrix of extracellular fibres, viscous ground substance
List the 5 roles/characteristics of connective tissue
- connect epithelium to rest of body via basal lamina
- provide structure (bone)
- store energy via fat
- transport materials via blood
- have no contact w/ external environment
List the 2 components that make up connective tissue
- Extracellular matrix
-> protein fibres (solid)
-> ground substance (fluid)
Cellular part
-> specialised cells
List the cells in connective tissue proper
Fibroblasts
Fibrocytes
adipocytes
mesenchymal cells
melanocytes
macrophages
mast cells
lymphocytes
Role of fibroblasts
Found in all CTP
secretes proteins + hyaluronan (cellular cement)
Role of fibrocytes
Found in all CTP
maintain fibres of CTP
Role of mesenchymal cells
Divide when injury occurs -> produce new daughter cells that differentiate into other cell types eg. fibroblasts
Role of collagen fibres
Strong + flexible eg. make up tendons stabilise joints
Most common
Role + description of reticular fibres
provide strength + flexibility to stabilise surrounding cells or organs
same fibres as collagen, dif arrangement
Describe elastic fibres
Comprised of elastin therefore allow stretch
Describe ground substance
proteoglycans + glycoproteins
- fills space b/t cells + surrounds fibres
function of loose connective tissue
- fills spaces b/t organs
- cushion + stabilise cells in organs + support epithelia
description of areolar tissue (LCT)
Least specialised, holds blood vessels + capillary beds
Located under skin
Elastic fibres
Describe adipose tissue (LCT)
Contains many adipocytes
-> shrink as fats released
Mesenchymal cells divide + differentiate to produce more fat cells
Describe reticular tissue (LCT)
Provides support to reticular organs eg. spleen, liver
-> complex, 3D network
Describe dense connective tissue (CTP)
CTP lightly packed w/ high numbers of collagen or elastic fibres
Describe dense regular connective tissue (DCT)
Tightly packed, parallel collagen fibres
eg. tendons + ligaments
Describe dense irregular connective tissue (DCT)
Interwoven networks of collagen fibres
- layered in skin, around cartilage, bones + organs
- strengthens + supports
Describe elastic tissue (DCT)
Made of elastin fibres
- allows tissue to tolerate cycles of expansion + recoil
eg. ligaments of spinal vertebrae, blood vessel walls
Describe fasciae
Layer of connective tissue that supports + connects trunk organs to rest of body
- Superficial fascia = alveolar + adipose tissue under skin
- Deep fascia = DRCT surrounding organs
- Subserous fascia = areolar tissue b/t deep fascia + serous membranes
Describe the fluid elements of fluid connective tissues (extracellular)
Lymph
- collected from interstitial space
- monitored by immune system
- transported by lymphoid system + returned to venous system
Describe the role of supportive connective tissues
Framework that supports the rest of the body / supports soft tissues + body weight
Describe cartilage (SCT)
Gel type substance containing chondrocytes + proteoglycans
eg. hyaline cartilage
Describe bone/osseous tissue (SCT)
Calcified collagen fibres
- strong + flexible
List the 4 types of membranes
Mucous
Serous
Cutaneous
Synovial
Describe mucous membranes
Line passageways w/ external connections
- reduce friction + facilitate absorption + secretion
found in digestive, respiratory + urinary tracts
Describe serous membranes
Line cavities not open to outside
- reduce friction
includes pleura, peritoneum + pericardium
Describe cutaneous membranes
thick, waterprrof + dry
eg. skin
Describe synovial membranes
line articulating joint cavities
- produce synovial fluid to protect bones
Describe the 3 different types of muscle tissue
All specialised for contraction/produce movement
- skeletal muscle = multinucleated, striated
- cardiac muscle = mononucleate, striated
- smooth muscle = mononucleate, non-striated
Describe neural tissue
- specialised for conducting electrical impulses
- rapidly senses internal/external environment
- process info + control responses
