Connective Tissue Histology Flashcards
4 basic classifications of tissue
- Muscle
- Epithelia
- Connective tissue
- Nervous tissue
What does connective tissue have roles in?
- Structural support
- Tensile strength
- Binding tissues together
- Immune defence
- Metabolism and energy storage
- Cushioning
- Elasticity
What is connective tissue proper?
Non-specialised connective tissue
2 forms of connective tissue proper
- Loose connective tissue
- Dense connective tissue
Components of connective tissue
- Cells
- Extracellular matrix
What makes up the extracellular matrix?
- Ground substance
- Fibres
What is the ground substance made of?
- Glycosaminoglycans
- Proteoglycans
- Water
What are the fibres in the extracellular matrix?
- Collagen
- Elastin
- Reticular
What is the main cell type in non-specialised connective tissue?
Fibroblasts
What is the function of fibroblasts?
Produce and maintain the extracellular matrix
Fixed cells in connective tissue and their functions
- Fibroblast
- Fibrocytes (inactive fibroblasts)
- Adipocytes (fat cells)
- Macrophages (phagocytic)
What are wandering connective tissue cells?
Immune cells that can move into connective tissue when required
Examples of wandering connective tissue cells (and their function)
- Plasma cells (produce antibodies)
- Eosinophils (consume foreign substances)
- Neutrophils (phagocytic)
- Lymphocytes
- Mast cells (inflammatory, histamine production)
What glycosaminoglycan often is the backbone of ground substance?
Hyaluronic acid
What do glycosaminoglycans contain that affects pH and what is the effect?
- Negative side chains
- Makes it acidic
Benefits of ground substance being hydrophilic and binding water
- Makes it strong to resist compressive forces
- Provides volume
- Allows good diffusion