connective tissue Flashcards
examples of connective tissue
bone, ligaments, fat and blood
functions of connective tissue
Bind & support other tissues , e.g. ligament & bone.
– Protect & insulate organs, e.g. fat.
– Transport nutrients, e.g. blood.
2 types of cells in connective tissue
Immature class of cell - BLAST
Immature class of cell - BLAST
function and examples of BLAST
Bone – Osteoblast.
– Cartilage – Chondroblast.
Secretes matrix.
function and examples of CYTE
– Bone – Osteocyte
– Cartilage – Chondrocyte.
Maintain matrix.
what is the matrix
Make-up of the matrix gives each type of connective
tissue unique properties.
Protein fibres embedded in ground substance.
what is the ground substance
Can be fluid, gel or solid.
Composed of proteoglycans:
– Core protein chain.
– Polysaccharide side-chains
(glycosaminoglycans)
the purpose of the ground substance
Support cells.
– Bind cells together.
– Medium for substance exchange
between blood & cells.
Proteoglycan
2 types of protein fibers
elastic fibers - flexibility
collagen fibers - strength
what are collagen fibers
Consists of protein – collagen.
Very tough & resistant to tension (pulling)
forces.
Often arranged in bundles, giving great
strength.
Still allow some flexibility because not taut.
what are elastic fibers
Consists of protein – elastin.
Can be stretched 150% of relaxed length without breaking.
what types of tissue are classed as connective tissue proper
loose and dense connective tissue
what tissues are classed as specialized connective tissue
cartilage, blood and bone
3 types of cartilage
hyaline cartilage - found at the ends of bones
fibrocartilage - found in discs in spine
elastic cartilage - found in ears
functions of hyaline cartilage
Covers articular surfaces at joints.
Reduces friction.
Absorbs shock.
functions of fibrocartilage
Great strength, some
elasticity.
Can resist
considerable pressure.
3 types of dense connective tissue
dense regular CT
dense irregular
elastic CT
what is dense regular CT
Provides strong
attachment between
structures.
Example:
– Ligaments
– Tendons.
where is dense regular CT found
Matrix:
– Collagen fibres in parallel
bundles.
– A few elastin fibres.
– Great tensile strength (resists
pulling in one direction)
functions of ligaments
Attach bone to bone.
Stabilise joints.
Restrict excessive motion.
function of tendon
Attach muscle to bone.
Transmit tensile loads.
what is dense irregular connective tissue
Provides strength in multiple
directions.
Examples
– Joint capsule
– Deep fascia.
where is deep irregular connective tissue found
Matrix:
– Collagen fibres
randomly arranged.
– A few elastin fibres
– Strong in multiple
directions
purpose of the deep fascia
Sheet of connective tissue surrounding and
protecting individual muscles.
Holds muscles
together &
separates them into
functional groups.
