Connective tissue Flashcards
What are the two basic elements of connective tissue ?
Extracellular matrix and cells
Is the connective tissue composed of cells closely packed?
No, unlike epithelial tissue there is a large amount of extracellular material in connective tissue.
What does the extracellular matrix consist of ?
Ground substance and fibres.
What are the three common characteristics of connective tissue?
- Cells
- Large amount of ground structure lacking shape (amorphous)
- Protein fibres
What produces the extracellular fibres ?
Connective tissue cells
What determines most of the function of the tissue?
The extracellular matrix
Is connective tissue highly vascularized ?
Yes, but there are exceptions such as cartilage which is avascular.
Tendons and ligaments have a small blood supply.
Are all connective tissue supplied with nerves ?
No, all are supplied with nerves except cartilage.
Functions of connective tissue
- Connect and support other tissue
- Protect
- Transport fluid, nutrients, waste and chemical messengers - Store energy
- Thermal insulation
From which embryonic layer does connective tissue derive from ?
Mesodermal layer
What is the first connective tissue to develop in the embryo ?
Mesenchyme - the stem cell line which all connective tissue later develops from
What embryonic connective tissue develops from the umbilical cord ?
Mucous connective tissue or Whartons jelly. It is no longer present after birth.
“blast” - suffix meaning
Immature class of cells. They retain the capacity for cell division and secrete the extracellular matrix.
“cyte” - suffix meaning
Mature cell. Mostly involved in monitoring and maintaining the extracellular matrix.
What are three types of fibers found in the extracellular matrix?
- Collagen fibers
- Elastic fibers
- Reticular fibers
What are the function of the fibers in the extracellular matrix ?
They strengthen and support the connective tissue.
Describe collagen fiber
Very strong and resist pulling forces (tension). Not stiff, allow flexibility. Collagen fibers often occur in parallel bundle. The bundle arrangements provide tensile strength. Consist of protein collogen.
Where are collagen fibers mostly found ?
Bone, cartilage, tendons (muscle to bone) and ligaments (bone to bone).
Describe elastic fibers.
Smaller in diameter than collagen fibers. Brain and join together to form a fibrous network within a connective tissue. Consists of the protein elastin, surrounded by glycoprotein, fibrillin - adds strength and stability. Strong but can be stretched. Have the ability to return to their original shape.
Where are elastic fibers mostly found ?
Skin, blood vessel walls and lung tissue.
Describe reticular fibers
Consist of collogen, arranged in fine bundle with a coating of glycoprotein. Produce by fibroblasts. Much thinner than collogen and form a branch network. Provide strength and support. These fibers also help form the basement membrane.
Where can reticular fibers be found ?
Soft organs - spleen and lymph nodes. Also, blood vessels.
What are the three overarching classification of connective tissue ?
- Connective tissue proper
- Supportive connective issue
- Fluid connective tissue
What are the subcategories of connective tissue proper ?
- Loose connective tissue
- Dene connective tissue
What are the types of loose connective tissue?
- Areolar
- Adipose
- Reticular
What are the types of dense connective tissue ?
- Dense regular
- Dense irregular
- Elastic
What are the subcategories of supportive connective tissue ?
Cartilage:
- Hyaline
- Fibrocartilage
- Elastic
Bone
What are the types of fluid connective tissue ?
- Blood
- Lymph
Which cell is present in all connective tissue proper ?
Fibroblasts
Which cells are fixed cells in connective tissue ?
Fibrocytes, adipocytes and mesenchymal cells.
What do fibroblasts do ?
Secrete polysaccharides and proteins, which combine with extracellular fluids to produce a viscous grand substance which contain fibrous proteins.
What is the mature version of fibroblasts ?
Fibrocyte