Connective Tissue Flashcards
What is epithelial tissue?
Sheets of tightly bound cells, found covering exposed areas and lining internal cavities. Provide selective absorption and protect.
What are the four primary tissue types in the body?
- Epithelial tissue
- Connective tissue
- Muscular tissue
- Neural tissue
Where can epithelial tissue be found?
Skin, digestive tract, kidneys,
What is leaky gut syndrome?
A condition where the normally tightly packed epithelial tissue is not as tightly packed. There are some gaps in the intestinal wall which allows matter and nutrients to seep out of the digestive tract, causing abdominal inflammation and bloating.
What does connective tissue provide?
Support and structure.
What does muscular tissue have the ability to do?
Contract and produce movement.
What does neural tissue do?
Conducts electrical impulses.
What are the three main categories of connective tissue?
- Connective Tissue Proper
- Fluid Connective Tissue
- Supporting Connective Tissue
What is the general composition of most connective tissue types?
Cells- adipocytes, mast cells, lymphocytes, fibroblasts (most common type- secrete collagen)
These cells make up the elements of the Extracellular matrix (ECM), which is the ground substance and fibers in the connective tissue
What is the most common type of cell found in connective tissue and what is its function?
Fibroblasts are the most common type of cell, they secrete collagen. This collagen makes up the ECM.
What are adipocytes and where are they found?
Adipocytes are specialized cells that store fat. They are found in connective tissue and play a crucial role in energy storage, insulation, and cushioning.
What are mast cells and where are they found?
Mast cells are immune cells that play a vital role in allergic reactions and inflammation. They release histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which cause blood vessels to dilate and become leaky. This allows immune cells to reach the injury or site of infection. Mast cells are also involved in wound healing and tissue repair, and are found in the connective tissue.
What are lymphocytes and where are they found?
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that recognizes and destroys foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Lymphocytes are found in various tissues throughout the body, including connective tissue. There are two main types of lymphocytes- B cells and T cells. B cells produce antibodies to fight off infections, while T cells directly attack infected cells.
What are the four most common and important cells found in connective tissue?
- Adipocytes- Store fat
- Lymphocytes- Type of WBC that illicit immune response
- Fibroblasts- Secrete collagen that makes up ECM
- Mast cells- Allergic reactions and inflammation, release histamine that dilates blood vessels and allows blood to travel to area of injury
What are the two types of connective tissue proper?
Loose and dense
What is loose connective tissue proper and what kinds of tissue does it make up?
Fibers create a loose, open framework. Comprises areolar tissue, adipose tissue, and reticular tissue.
What is dense connective tissue and what kinds of tissue does it make up?
Fibers are densely packed. Comprises dense regular, dense irregular, and elastic tissue.
What are the two types of fluid connective tissue?
Blood and lymph.
Where is fluid connective tissue (blood) contained?
Blood is contained in the cardiovascular system.
Where is fluid connective tissue (lymph) contained?
Lymph is contained in the lymphatic system.
What are the two types of supporting connective tissue?
Cartilage and bone.
What is cartilage and what types make up the supporting connective tissue?
Solid, rubbery matrix. Hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, fibrous cartilage make up the supporting connective tissue.
What is supporting connective tissue (bone)?
Solid, with a crystalline matrix.
What are the three loose fibers that make up loose connective tissues?
Areolar tissue, adipose tissue, reticular tissue.