Connective Tissue Flashcards
general contents of connective tissue
- fibroblasts and fibers
- amorphous material; contains water, glycoproteins, proteoglycans
organization of connective tissue proper
connective tissue proper –> loose & dense–> regular & irregular
characteristics & locations of dense irregular CT
- CT capsule surround different organs
- higher ECM to cell ratio
- must be strong in all directions (organs are spherical) –> fibers organized in a mesh
- capsules of organs (liver; spleen; lymph node)
- dermis of skin
- submucosa of digestive tube
characteristics & locations of dense regular CT
- higher ECM to cell ratio
- directional stress
- CT only needs to be strong in one direction (no lateral tension)
- tendons
- ligaments
characteristics & locations of loose CT
- higher cell to ECM ratio
- lamina propria of mucosa of small intestine; gallbladder
- mesenteries (connect viscera to body wall)
characteristics & locations of elastic CT
- has elastin –> tissue has to be able to snap back
- aorta and other large arteries
- respiratory airways
characteristics & locations of reticular CT
- stroma = supporting tissue
- most CT in major organs are considered storm (not responsible for major function of organ)
- stroma of lymph nodes; spleen
- reticular lamina of basement membrane
Contrast stroma and parenchyma
- stroma is the supporting tissue of an organ that is not responsible for the major function of that organ
- parenchyma is responsible for the business end of the organ (i.e. lymphocytes of lymph node)
Describe the importance of the mesenchyme in the embryo
- mesenchyme is the loose connective tissue in the embryo
- similar to stem cells in that it can give rise to different types of CT cells
Describe the different layers of stomach tissue
lumen of gut –> epithelial cells –> lamina propria (loose CT) –> submucosa –> smooth muscle –> CT –> epithelial cells –> body cavity
- epithelial cells and lamina propria by lumen of gut make up the mucosa
- epithelial cells and CT layer lining the outside of stomach make up the serosa
In the intestines, what do the microvilli make up?
- striated (belt) border
plasma cell
- lymphocyte that has been stimulated to produce antibodies
What is the importance of lymphocytes in the lamina propria of the intestines?
- lymphocytes monitor the flora of the intestines
In the mammary tissue, what CT surrounds glands? What CT is between glands?
- dense irregular CT surrounds glands (few cells and many fibers)
- loose CT in between glands (see more cells relative to fibers)
Trichrome stain and collagenous tissue
- Trichrome stain stains collagenous tissue a blue/green color
Describe the dense irregular CT of the spleen
- creates capsule around spleen
- can barely see any cells in capsule
- all type I collagen
In what types of CT is type I collagen found?
- major collagen of dense irreg., dense reg., loose CT)
Describe the hierarchical organization of CT in muscle
- epimysium –> dense irreg CT surrounding collection of fascicles
- perimysium –> dense irreg CT that wraps fascicles of muscle fibers (not as many fibers in CT as in epimysium)
- endomysium –> loose CT surround individual muscle fibers in fascicle
Describe the hierarchical organization of CT in nerve
- epineurium –> dense irreg CT surrounding collection of fascicles
- perineurium –> dense irreg CT (not as many fibers) surrounding each fascicle
- endoneurium –> loose CT surrounding wrapped axons
What is the trabeculum in the lymph node?
- capsule (made of dense irreg. CT) that dips into body of lymph node
What tissue is the stroma of the lymph node made of?
- stroma of lymph node made of reticular CT –> cells produce type III collagen fibers, forming extensive and elaborate network
What stain is used to look at reticular CT?
- stain containing silver (similar to Jones’ stain)
- penetrates type III collagen fibers
Where is fibronectin found?
- found in developing limb tissue forming skeletal elements and uterine lining (endometrium)
- in endometrium, most of the cells are fibroblasts that produce fibronectin because tissue is being remodeled
What stain is used to look at fibronectin?
- fibronectin is immunostained (looks brownish)
