Connective Tissue

Question 1

Connective tissue definition

Answer 1

The most abundant and widely distributed primary tissue

Question 2

Function of connective tissue

Answer 2

connects and binds together, supports, strengthens, protects, insulates, comparmentalise, transports, provides energy

Question 3

Composition of connective tissue

Answer 3

> Cells
Extracellular Matrix
> Ground Substance
> Matrix

Question 4

Cells

Answer 4

• Adipose cells (adipocytes) - energy source and cushioning - lipids
• Fibroblasts - secretes fibres and ground substance
• Mast cells - immunity: detects foreign agents
• White blood cells (leucocytes) - repair injury and fight off infection (neutrophils)
• Macrophages - phagocytose foreign molecules

Question 5

Ground substance

Answer 5

Fills spaces between cells, space where fibres are suspended; Collagen, Elastic fibres, Reticular fibres

Question 6

Connective tissue proper

Answer 6

Areolar, adipose, reticular, regular, irregular, elastic

Question 7

Areolar

Answer 7

Function - loose packing, support, building other tissue

Widely distributed throughout; connective tissue epithelium rests on

Question 8

Adipose

Answer 8

Function - nutrient-storing ability, shock absorption and protection, insulation
Fat beneath the skin surrounding kidneys, breast, abdomen and hips

Question 9

Reticular

Answer 9

Function - forms framework to support free blood cells

Lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow; lymphoid organs

Question 10

Irregular

Answer 10

Function - provides strength and stretching

Skins dermis, fibrous coverings surrounding bone, cartilages, muscles and nerves

Question 11

Elastic

Answer 11

Function - high recoil and strength

Walls of arteries, ligaments between spinal vertebrae

Question 12

Cartilage

Answer 12

Made of cartilage cells within a rigid matrix
> avascular, not innervated
Provides protection, flexibility and is capable of withstanding pressure

Question 13

Hyaline cartilage

Answer 13

most abundant; found in ribcage, trachea, articulating surfaces of bone and nose

Question 14

Fibrocartilage

Answer 14

Intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis; withstand high levels of pressure

Question 15

Elastic cartilage

Answer 15

Maintain shape whilst allowing flexibility; ear and epiglottis

Question 16

Bone

Answer 16

Supports and protects body structures
Composed of cells and matrix
Osteocytes found in lacunae
> spongy bone - found at ends of long bones, sternum, vertebrate and pelvis
> eurethrocytes, leucocytes, platelets
Transports nutrients, wastes and respiratory gases around the body