Connective tissue

Question 1

Describe the components of connective tissue proper

Answer 1

Various cells, matrix of extracellular fibres, viscous ground substance

Question 2

List the 5 roles/characteristics of connective tissue

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

List the 2 components that make up connective tissue

Answer 3

• Extracellular matrix
  -> protein fibres (solid)
  -> ground substance (fluid)
  Cellular part
  -> specialised cells

Question 4

List the cells in connective tissue proper

Answer 4

Fibroblasts
Fibrocytes
adipocytes
mesenchymal cells
melanocytes
macrophages
mast cells
lymphocytes

Question 5

Role of fibroblasts

Answer 5

Found in all CTP
secretes proteins + hyaluronan (cellular cement)

Question 6

Role of fibrocytes

Answer 6

Found in all CTP
maintain fibres of CTP

Question 7

Role of mesenchymal cells

Answer 7

Divide when injury occurs -> produce new daughter cells that differentiate into other cell types eg. fibroblasts

Question 8

Role of collagen fibres

Answer 8

Strong + flexible eg. make up tendons stabilise joints
Most common

Question 9

Role + description of reticular fibres

Answer 9

provide strength + flexibility to stabilise surrounding cells or organs
same fibres as collagen, dif arrangement

Question 10

Describe elastic fibres

Answer 10

Comprised of elastin therefore allow stretch

Question 11

Describe ground substance

Answer 11

proteoglycans + glycoproteins
- fills space b/t cells + surrounds fibres

Question 12

function of loose connective tissue

Answer 12

• fills spaces b/t organs
• cushion + stabilise cells in organs + support epithelia

Question 13

description of areolar tissue (LCT)

Answer 13

Least specialised, holds blood vessels + capillary beds
Located under skin
Elastic fibres

Question 14

Describe adipose tissue (LCT)

Answer 14

Contains many adipocytes
-> shrink as fats released
Mesenchymal cells divide + differentiate to produce more fat cells

Question 15

Describe reticular tissue (LCT)

Answer 15

Provides support to reticular organs eg. spleen, liver
-> complex, 3D network

Question 16

Describe dense connective tissue (CTP)

Answer 16

CTP lightly packed w/ high numbers of collagen or elastic fibres

Question 17

Describe dense regular connective tissue (DCT)

Answer 17

Tightly packed, parallel collagen fibres
eg. tendons + ligaments

Question 18

Describe dense irregular connective tissue (DCT)

Answer 18

Interwoven networks of collagen fibres
- layered in skin, around cartilage, bones + organs
- strengthens + supports

Question 19

Describe elastic tissue (DCT)

Answer 19

Made of elastin fibres
- allows tissue to tolerate cycles of expansion + recoil
eg. ligaments of spinal vertebrae, blood vessel walls

Question 20

Describe fasciae

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Describe the fluid elements of fluid connective tissues (extracellular)

Answer 21

Lymph
- collected from interstitial space
- monitored by immune system
- transported by lymphoid system + returned to venous system

Question 22

Describe the role of supportive connective tissues

Answer 22

Framework that supports the rest of the body / supports soft tissues + body weight

Question 23

Describe cartilage (SCT)

Answer 23

Gel type substance containing chondrocytes + proteoglycans
eg. hyaline cartilage

Question 24

Describe bone/osseous tissue (SCT)

Answer 24

Calcified collagen fibres
- strong + flexible

Question 25

List the 4 types of membranes

Answer 25

Mucous
Serous
Cutaneous
Synovial

Question 26

Describe mucous membranes

Answer 26

Line passageways w/ external connections
- reduce friction + facilitate absorption + secretion
found in digestive, respiratory + urinary tracts

Question 27

Describe serous membranes

Answer 27

Line cavities not open to outside
- reduce friction
includes pleura, peritoneum + pericardium

Question 28

Describe cutaneous membranes

Answer 28

thick, waterprrof + dry
eg. skin

Question 29

Describe synovial membranes

Answer 29

line articulating joint cavities
- produce synovial fluid to protect bones

Question 30

Describe the 3 different types of muscle tissue

Answer 30

All specialised for contraction/produce movement
- skeletal muscle = multinucleated, striated
- cardiac muscle = mononucleate, striated
- smooth muscle = mononucleate, non-striated

Question 31

Describe neural tissue

Answer 31

• specialised for conducting electrical impulses
• rapidly senses internal/external environment
• process info + control responses