Connective tissue Flashcards
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Connective tissue function
- Binds, supports and strengthens other body tissues
- A major transport system of the body (blood is a CT)
- A major site of stored energy reserves
What is CT composed of
Extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells
CT = ECM + CELLS
What is the ECM composed of
- Ground substance, in association with
- Protein Fibres
ECM = GS + Fibres
What is ground substance composed of
- Water
- Proteins
- Polysaccharides (sugars) - contains GAGS).
GS = H20 + proteins + polysaccharides
Function of ground substance
Supports cells and fibres, binds them together, and proides a medium for exchanging substances between blood and cells.
What are glycosaminoglycans
Long unbranched polysaccharides made up of amino acid and uronic sugar.
What are the two types of glycosaminoglycans
There are two types; sulphated and non-sulphated.
What are proteoglycans
Formed from GAGS (long unbranched polysaccharides) and binded to proteins
What is hyaluronic acid
Type of non-sulphated GAGS therefore not bound to a core protein
Viscious slippery substance that binds cells together. lubricates joints and maintains shape of eyeball
Is hyluronic acid highly polar or non-polar and what does this mean
Highly polar therefore can attract and trap water becoming sort of slippery
What is hyaluronidase
Enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid
This makes ground substance more liquid so allow species to move more easily in it or makes access to the egg easier for sperm.
What is hyaluronidase produced by
Produced by white blood cells, sperm and some bacteria
What is chondroitin sulphate
Type of sulphated GAGS that support and provide the adhesive features of cartilage, bone, skin , blood vessels
What is keratan sulphate
Type of sulphated GAGS found in bone, cartilage, cornea of the eye
What is dermantan sulphate
Sulphated GAGS found in skin, tendons, blood vessels, heart valves
What are the three types of protein fibres
- Collagen fibres
- Reticular fibres
- Elastic fibres
What are collagen fibres and where are they commonly found
A protein fibre that makes up the ECM of CT.
Strong but flexible to resist pulling forces.
Common in bone, cartilages, tendons and ligaments
What is the most abundant protein in body
Collagen fibres
What are reticular fibres and what is its function
A protein fibre made from collagen and glycoproteins that makes up the ECM of CT.
Provides strength and support in blood vessel walls and form branching networks around various cells.
What are reticular fibres made up of
Made up of fine bundles of collagen fibres with coating of glycoprotein. Made by fibroblasts (like reticular lamina of basement membrane)
Where are reticular fibres found
Found in basement membrane, vessels, adipose tissue, nerve fibres, smooth muscle tissues
What are elastic fibres
A protein fibre that makes up the ECM of CT.
What are elastic fibres made from and what is its function
Made up of elastin surrounded by fibrillin giving strength and stability. Allows tissue to be stretched.
Where are elastic fibres found in the body
Found in skin, blood vessles, and lung