Connective Tissue Flashcards
What is the ECM matrix?
Gel structure with embedded protein fibers
Carries oxygen, nutrients, waste, etc.
What are the 5 types of connective tissues
- Fibrous
- Adipose
- Cartilage
- Bone
- Hematopoietic
What are the 6 functions of connective tissues
TED SPS
- Structural framework
- Protection
- Support
- Energy storage
- Transport fluids/cells
- Defense
What do fibroblasts produce
Collagens, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins
What do mesenchymal cells do
Provide Connective tissue stem cells
What do adipose cells do
Store and release fat
What do chondrocytes produce
Produce and maintain cartilage components
What do osteoblasts produce
Bone components
What are the three subtypes of fibrous CT
Loose (areolar)
Dense regular
Dense irregular
What are the 6 cells types of connective tissue
MACHO Fucker
- Fibroblasts
- Mesenchymal cells
- Adipocytes
- Chondrocytes
- Osteoblasts
- Hematopoietic cells
What three types of fibers are found in the ECM of fibrous connective tissue
- Collagens (usually Type I)
- Elastin
- Reticular fibers
What does Type I collagen do? How are they aligned? What is the purpose of this alignment?
Resist tension
Aligned as cross-linkages which increase tensile strength
What does elastin do? And what is it the main components of?
Stretches
Makes up the assembly of tropoelastin, fibulin-1, and fibrillins 1/2
What doe reticular fibers do
Forms supportive network
What is crucial for Type I collagen fibers
Vit. C
Broad overview, what is ehler’s danlos syndrome?
Abnormal collagen synthesis which causes weak collagen fibers
What is a ground substance and what is it made of
The amorphous intercellular material in which the cells and fibers of connective tissue are embedded, composed of proteoglycans, hyaluronan, glycoproteins, and extracellular proenzymes
What is the purpose of the ground substance
development, movement, and proliferation of tissues, as well as their metabolism. Additionally, cells use it for support, water storage, binding, and a medium for intercellular exchange (especially between blood cells and other types of cells). Ground substance provides lubrication for collagen fibers
Proteoglycans become linked together to form what
Hyaluronan which is high in charge and hydration
What are mesenchymal stem cells
Multipotent stem cells in adults that differentiate into a variety of cell types
What cell types can mesenchymal stem cells proliferate into
- Fibroblasts
- Muscle cells
- Osteoblasts
- Chondroblasts
- Adipocytes
What controls what mesenchymal stem cells turn into
Transcription factors
What is marfan’s syndrome?
Long arms and legs
Elastin in weak due to a mutation in the fibrilin I gene
Targets the ocular, skeletal, and CV system
What are the two types of fibrous connective tissue
Loose connective tissue
Dense connective tissue
What are the cell types found within loose fibrous connective tissue
Areolar
Adipose
Reticular
Describe areolar loose connective tissue
Low density tissue with both fixed and wandering cells, wide spread throughout body
Describe adipose loose connective tissue
Fat containing tissue
Describe reticular loose connective tissue
Rich in reticular fibers, forms an open framework to create a supportive mesh for holding free cells
What are the three types of Dense Connective Tissue
Denser irregular
Dense regular
Elastic connective
Describe irregular connective tissue. What is the primary cell type?
Fibers are deposited in a random pattern
Mainly compromised of fibroblasts
Ex. Dermis of skin
Describe regular connective tissue
Fibers are deposited in a highly regular pattern
Poorly vascular, comprised mainly of fibroblasts
Ex. Tendons
Describe elastic connective tissue
Rich in elastin fibers
Allows for recoil of tissue
Found in blood vessels
What types of cells are fixed cells
Fibroblasts
Adipocytes
Mesenchymal cells
What types of cells are wandering cells
Macrophages
Mast cells
Leukocytes/lymphocytes
Plasma cells
What are the two types of fat and describe them
- White fat - functions in energy storage, insulation, and hormone secretion
- Brown fat - key thermogenic tissue, abundant in newborns, greatly reduced in adults
Where is reticular connective tissue mostly found
liver, BOM, lymph nodes, spleen
What is the function of a fibroblast
To produce collagen, elastin, reticular fibers, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins in the ECM
What is the function of adipocytes
Remove lipids from blood, store lipids, release lipids when needed
What is the function of macrophages
Function as phagocytes to destroy bacteria, damaged or sick cells, and remove cell debris
What is the purpose of mast cells
To secrete chemicals such as histamine and heparin
What is the function of plasma cells
Differentiate into B-Lymphocytes
Produce antibodies that mediate immunity
