Connective Tissue Flashcards
Collagen
The most abundant protein in the body
Connective tissue
Material between the cells of the body that gives tissues form and strength
Collagen fibers major physical properties
Tensile strength and relative and extensibility
Fascicles
The wavy bundled arrangement of the collagen of a tendon
Collagen fibers maximum extension
3%
Elastic fibers
Made of amino acids and responsible for determining the possible range of extensibility of muscle cells; submit to fragmentation, fraying, and calcification due to the aging process
Elastic fibers extension
Succumb readily to stretching, and Whinerli’s to return to their former length; rupture at approximately 150% of original length
Ligaments
Functions to support a joint by attaching bone to bone; pliant and flexible allowing freedom of movement but also inextensible so as not to yield easily to applied force
Fascia
All fibrous connective tissue not otherwise specifically named
Superficial fascia
Lies directly below the skin and generally contains a collection of fat
Deep fascia (intramuscular fascia)
Lies directly beneath the superficial fascia encasing muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and organs
Subserous fascia
Forms the fibrous layer of membranes that cover and support the innermost body cavities
Deep fascia (intramuscular fascia) functions
To provide a framework that ensures proper alignment of muscle fibers blood vessels and nerves, enabled the safe and effective transmission of force throughout the whole muscle, and provide necessary lubricated surfaces between muscle fibers that allow muscles to change shape
Joint capsule (ligaments) contribution to flexibility
47%
Muscle (fascia) contribution to flexibility
41%
