Connective Tissue I Flashcards
What is connective tissue?
Connective tissue is derived from the mesoderm and is a supporting framework for more specialised structures of the body
What is the function of connective tissue
- binding and structural support
- transport for nutrients
- insulation
What are the different types of connective tissue
- soft connective tissue (tendons and ligaments)
- hard connective tissue (bone and cartilage)
- specialised connective tissue (blood and lymph)
What is ground substance?
- intracellular substance containing mucopolysaccharide which is a semi-solid jelly like consistency
What are the main cells of connective tissues?
- fibroblasts
- macrophages
- plasma cells
- mast cells
What is the structure of a fibroblast?
- fibroblasts are the most numerous connective tissue cell
- flattened, spindle-shaped from one aspect, irregular Branching from other
What is the function of a fibroblast?
They’re involved in the formation of collagen therefore very active in tissue repair
What is the function of a macrophage?
-phagocytic cells
-important defence cells
-known as a monocyte in the blood
What is the structure of a macrophage?
-an irregular outline and a small kidney shaped nucleus
-course granules in cytoplasm
Describe the structure of a mast cell
-round cells with a central nucleus
-course granules in the cytoplasm
-number of these varies
Where are mast cells found?
Areas of blood vessels
What is the structure of plasma cells?
-oval shaped with eccentrically placed nucleus
-when nucleus is stained it resembles a cartwheel
What is the function of plasma cells?
- synthesise and secrete specific antibodies
- numerous in areas of inflammation
- derived from B lymphocytes
What is the function of mast cells?
Found in allergic responses, release histamine and heparin
What are the 3 principle connective tissue fibres?
- collagen
- reticular
- elastic
