Connective Tissue Flashcards
What is the most abundant and widely distributed tissue in the body?
Connective Tissue
What does CT consist of?
Cells, ground substance and fibers
What is the extracellular matrix composed of?
Ground substance and fibers
The matrix of CT may be in what forms?
fluid
semifluid
gelatinous
fibrous
calcified
What are immature cells called?
blasts
What are mature cells called?
cytes
What are the types of CT cells?
fibroblasts
macrophages
plasma cells
mast cells
adipocytes
neutrophils
What are fibroblasts in cartilage called?
chondroblasts
What are fibroblasts in bone called?
osteoblasts
What do macrophages do?
Engulf bacteria and cellular debris
What are the two types of macrophages?
fixed and wandering
What do plasma cells do?
They secrete antibodies and are part of the immune system.
What do mast cells do?
Produce histamine which dilates blood vessels.
What are adipocytes?
fat cells which store triglycerides
Where are adipocytes found?
below the skin and around organs such as heart and kidneys
What do neutrophils do?
They migrate to CT to combat pathogens
What is “ground substance”?
The part of CT between the fibers and cells
What does ground substance do?
holds water within the tissues.
Supports tissues and allows for diffusion of substances between blood vessels and cells.
What does ground substance contain?
polysaccharides and proteins
What is the matrix?
Consists of fibers embedded in ground substance
What are the 3 types of fibers make up the matrix?
collagen
elastic
reticular
How many types of collagen fibers are there?
28
(Type I is the most common)
Collagen is predominant in what tissues?
skin
bone
cartilage
tendons
ligaments
Collagen is resistant to what what force?
pulling force
Collagen can be physically described as?
very tough, resistant to pulling force, flexible
Type I collagen is often arranged how?
In bundles (like rope)