Connective tissue Flashcards
Connective tissue (features)
- not found on body surfaces
- can be highly vascular
- is supplied by nerves (except cartilage)
Connective tissue (description)
- a major transport system of the body (e.g. blood)
- a major site of stored energy reserves (e.g. fats and adipose tissue)
Connective tissue (components)
extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells
Connective tissue (function)
binds, supports and strengths other body tissues
Extracellular matrix - ECM (Components)
Ground substances and Protein Fibres
Extracellular matrix - ECM (Structure)
largely dictates the connective tissue qualities
- cartilage = ECM is firm and rubbery
- bone = ECM is hard and flexible
Ground substance (components)
mixture of water, proteins and polysaccharides (sugars)
Sugars = ___________
glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
Sugars (functions)
join/bind with core proteins to form proteoglycans
Sulphated GAGs (4)
Dermatan sulphate, Keratan sulphate, Chondroitin sulphate, Heparin sulphate
Dermatan sulphate
found in skin, tendons, blood vessels, heart valves
Keratan sulphate
found in bone, cartilage, cornea of the eye
Chondroitin sulphate
support + provide the adhesive features of cartilage, bone, skin, blood vessels
Non-sulphated GAGs
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid
does not bind directly to protein backbone but is joined to various proteoglycans
Hyaluronic acid (function)
binds cells together, lubricates joints and maintains shape of eyeball
Hyalurodinase enzyme (produced by…)
white blood cells, sperm and some bacteria
Hyalurodinase enzyme (function)
- catalyse the degradation of hyaluronic acid
- makes GS more liquid so they can move more easily in it and makes access to the eggs easier for sperm
Types of Protein Fibres (3)
Collagen fibres, Reticular fibres, Elastic fibres
Collagen fibres (arrangement)
arranged in parallel bundles
Collagen fibres (features)
very strong but flexible to resist pulling forces
- preventing the CT from being torn or separated from surrounding tissues
Collagen fibres (location)
bone, cartilages, tendons and ligaments
Reticular fibres (components)
collagen with coating of glycoprotein - made by fibroblasts