Connective Tissue Flashcards
Describe the variety of functions of connective tissue.
Connective tissue serves various functions in the body including:
- providing structural support
- connecting and binding tissues and organs
- transporting nutrients
- defending against infection
- storing energy
- It also plays a crucial role in tissue repair and wound healing.
What are the different types of connective tissue cells?
- fibroblasts - responsible for producing fibers and ground substance
- adipocytes - fat cells and energy storage
- mast cells - involved in immune responses and inflammation. Produces histamine.
- macrophages - phagocytise foreign particles and cellular debris
- Plasma Cells - defence/immune function; secrete antibodies
Explain the composition of the extracellular matrix in connective tissue and its importance.
The extracellular matrix consists of fibers (collagen, elastic, and reticular) embedded in a ground substance.
This matrix provides structural support, elasticity, and the ability to resist tension, as well as contributing to tissue hydration and various other functions.
Explain the composition of the extracellular matrix in connective tissue and its importance.
The extracellular matrix consists of fibers (collagen, elastic, and reticular) embedded in a ground substance.
This matrix provides structural support, elasticity, and the ability to resist tension, as well as contributing to tissue hydration and various other functions.
Name and describe the different types of fibers found in connective tissue.
Connective tissues contain:
1. collagen fibers (providing tensile strength)
2. elastic fibers (conferring elasticity)
3. reticular fibers (forming a supportive network)
Which is the most abundant connective tissue
Collagen is the most abundant and provides structural support.
Provide examples of different types of connective tissues and explain where they are found in the body.
Examples of connective tissues include:
- loose connective tissue (found beneath the skin)
- dense connective tissue (tendons and ligaments)
- adipose tissue (in fat depots)
- bone tissue (forming the skeleton)
- blood (circulating throughout the body)
What are the different types of cartilage tissue and where can they be found in the human body?
- hyaline cartilage - found in the nose, trachea, and the ends of long bones
- elastic cartilage - located in the external ear and epiglottis
- fibrocartilage - present in intervertebral discs and knee menisci
Give the main functions and structure of collagen and where it’s found in the body.
1.Strong, but flexible - Fibres arranged in parallel bundles giving it its strength.
- Consist of the protein collagen - most abundant protein in the body
- Found in Bone, Tendons, Cartilage, Ligaments (and other places)
Give the main functions and structure of elastic fibres. Where are they found?
- Form network of fibres
- Strong and stretchy - elastic
- Consist of the protein Elastin and the glycoprotein Fibrillin
- Found in skin, blood vessel walls, lung tissue (and other places)
Give the main structure and functions of reticular fibres and give examples of where it’s found.
- Smaller, thinner fibres made up of collagen protein
- Form branching network of fibres
- Found in walls of blood vessels, around fat cells, nerve fibres, muscle tissue
- Provide support and strength
- Help to form the basement membrane for epithelial tissues
How are tendon fibres arranged and what property does that give them?
Tendon fibres are arranged regularly in parallel. This provides great strength
What is cartilage?
Dense network of collagen fibres and elastic fibres embedded in matrix of chondroitin sulphate.
Very strong and resilient connective tissue
What are the cells of mature cartilage called?
Chondrocytes
What gives cartilage its ability to assume its original shape after deformation?
Chondroitin sulfate
