Connective Tissue Flashcards
connective tissue
most abundant, widely distributed, structurally varied of all 4 varied tissue types; connects one structure to another structure
examples of connective tissue
tendons, ligaments, body fat, blood, bones, cartilage
What are the 3 structural components of connective tissue
specialized cells, protein fibers, and ground substance
specialized cells
different cells for different tissue types
protein fibers
elastic fibers, collagen, reticular fibers
reticular fibers
randomly oritented thin collagen strands
ground substance
a mixture of proteins and carbohydrates with variable amounts of salts and water
what makes up the extracellular matrix
the protein fibers and ground substance
What are the functions of connective tissue?
physical protection, support and structural framework, binding of structures, storage, transport, immune protection
loose connective tissue
fewer protein fibers, more ground substance (adipose tissue)
dense connection tissue
more protein fibers, less ground substance (tendons)
What is brown adipose tissue?
lots of mitochondria; produces lots of heat
uncoupling protein
allows proteins to go through passively; uncoupling protein= facilitated diffusion protein; releases heat (non-shivering thermogenesis)