🌿 Connective Tissue Basics

Question 1

Fibroblast

Answer 1

Most common cell in connective tissue; synthesizes extracellular fibers and ground substance

Question 2

Extracellular matrix (ECM)

Answer 2

Complex network surrounding cells; contains collagen and elastic fibers

Question 3

ECM

Answer 3

Extracellular matrix formed from different types of structural proteins, providing mechanical and structural support, influencing communication, tensile strength, and acting as a biochemical barrier.

Question 4

Ground Substance

Answer 4

Clear, viscous substance with high water content found between cells and fibers, serving as space filler, supporting tissue tensile strength, and providing a medium for transport.

Question 5

Tendinocytes

Answer 5

Fibroblasts that are specifically found in tendons. They help maintain the tendon structure.

Question 6

Collagen fibers type 1

Answer 6

A type of collagen that imparts tensile strength. Found in tissues like cartilage, bone, and blood vessels.

Question 7

Macrophage

Answer 7

Derived from monocytes; phagocytic and antigen-presenting in connective tissue

Question 8

Proteoglycans (PGs)

Answer 8

Composed of GAGs covalently attached to core proteins, extending perpendicular from the core protein, function as linkers between cells and ECM components.

Question 9

Collagen

Answer 9

Strong and resilient fibers providing mechanical strength and scaffolding for cells, with different types like fibrillar collagen and basement membrane collagen.

Question 10

Reticular Fibers

Answer 10

Short, thin, and branching fibers primarily found in the embryo, forming a supporting framework for tissues and organs, secreted by various cell types.

Question 11

Brown fat cells

Answer 11

Cells with smaller nuclei located centrally and containing multiple lipid droplets. Function for heat production (thermogenesis).

Question 12

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)

Answer 12

Most abundant polysaccharide in ground substance, highly negatively charged, attracting water to form a hydrated gel, allowing rapid diffusion of water-soluble molecules.

Question 13

Elastic Fibers

Answer 13

Composed of elastin molecules allowing tissues to respond to stretch, highly elastic, and found in large arteries, vocal ligament, and other flexible structures.

Question 14

White fat cells

Answer 14

Cells with large nuclei located peripherally and containing a single lipid droplet. Function for fat storage, energy source, insulation, and protection.

Question 15

Connective tissue

Answer 15

Tissue supporting, binding, or separating specialized tissues and organs; consists of cells and extracellular matrix with protein fibers and ground substance

Question 16

Mast cell

Answer 16

Originates in bone marrow; contains granules with histamine and plays a role in allergic reactions

Question 17

Mesenchyme

Answer 17

Embryonic connective tissue giving rise to almost all connective tissue types, containing mesenchymal cells, collagen and reticular fibers, and a ground substance that is more viscous than mesenchyme.

Question 18

Edema

Answer 18

Swelling in tissues due to an increased tissue fluid. Factors favoring edema include increased capillary hydrostatic pressure, decreased oncotic pressure, and increased vascular permeability.