Connective Tissue

Question 1

Connective Tissue Classification

Answer 1

1. Loose
2. Dense Regular
3. Dense Irregular

Question 2

Cartilage

Answer 2

1. Hyaline
2. Fibrocartilage
3. Elastic Cartilage

Question 3

Loose Connective Tissue

Answer 3

• aka areolar tissue
• present as white adipose tissue in adults and brown in children
• functions: synthesize and store fats, energy source, insulating material, shock absorber in joints, acts as body’s bubble wrap

Question 4

Dense Regular Tissue

Answer 4

• collagen bundles aligned in one direction, or parallel
• most tensile strength is parallel to these fibers
• ex: tendon, ligaments, aponeurosis, retinacula
• regular- more parallel, aligned in same direction

Question 5

Dense Irregular Tissue

Answer 5

• collagen bundles are oriented in multiple directions, allowing ability to withstand multidirectional forces
• ex: dermis, sheaths around nerves, tendons, organ capsules, and deep fascia

Question 6

Hyaline Cartilage

Answer 6

• rigid, resists compressive and sheering forces
• ex: synovial joints, costal cartilage, respiratory tract, growth plates
• very poor regenerative properties due to lack of blood supply

Question 7

Fibrocartilage

Answer 7

• intermediate stregnth between hyaline and dense fibrous tissue
• can handle more load, wear and tear
• usually blended with other tissues, not found alone
• ex: annulous fibrosis of IV disc, link between bone and tendon, menisci of knee

Question 8

Elastic Cartilage

Answer 8

• very flexible
• ex: ear epiglottis, auditory tube
• abundant network of elastic fibers (dark lines)

Question 9

Fascia

Answer 9

• connective tissue that surrounds muscle
• doesn’t cross bone, it goes around it
• compartment syndrome: holds swelling in one area, too much compression can affect nerve
• infection can also be held in one compartment
• fascia helps compress veins to push blood towards heart especially against gravity (calves)
• deep fascia (retinaculum) helps hold muscle down on wrist and ankle

Question 10

Bursae

Answer 10

• sacs made of serous membrane (membrane that secretes fluid) that provide protection between surfaces due to cushion like quality
• usually occurs in places of high friction (subacromial bursa)