Connective Tissue Flashcards
Mesenchyme
Embryonic Tissue
Where does CT originate from?
Mesenchyme
Ground Substance
- Highly hydrophilic and hydrated, viscous material.
- Functions as a lubricant, a barrier, gives form and rigidity to area surrounding the cells
- “White Space” found in slides
3 components of Ground Substance
Water, GAG (glycosaminoglycans), and Multi-adhesive glycoproteins
GAG (glycosaminoglycans)
long unbranched polysaccharides composed of repeating disaccharide units and a hexosamine.
Proteoglycan
GAG’s are covalently bonded to a protein core
molecule thus forming this
multi-adhesive glycoproteins
- Function in adhesion of cells
- Bind to cells, GAG’s and collagen
Ground Substance + Fibers =
Extracellular Matrix
And the connective tissues are classified typically on their extracellular matrix.
Major Cells of Connective Tissue Proper
Fibroblasts, Macrophages, Mast cells, and Plasma Cells
Fibroblasts
- Found in every CT
- synthesizes all components of the extracellular matrix
- remarkable regenerative ability after injury
Macrophage
- also called tissue histiocytes (phagocytic)
- also function as antigen-presenting cells
- Have special names in some organs
Mast Cell
- cells with secretory granules with histamine, heparin
- produce allergic reactions called immediate hypersensitivity reaction
- derived from the basophil
Plasma Cells
-Pale-staining region around nucleus due to Golgi
-Spherical eccentrically placed nucleus with heterochromatin placed
to produce a “clock-face”
-derived from B-lymphocytes
-Produce immunoglobulins
3 types of fibers of CT
- Collagen
- Reticular
- Elastic
Functions of connective tissue:
- Support of body structures
- Medium for the exchange of nutrients and wastes
- Defense mechanism
