connective tissues Flashcards
function of connective tissues
provide support and bind other tissues together. provide insulation and protection for other tissues. some are able to transport substances (blood)
characteristics of connective tissues
-all connective tissues are formed from one type of stem cell (mesenchyme)
-connective tissues vary in degree of vascularity (presence of blood vessels)
-all are mostly composed of extracellular matrix
parts of the extracellular matrix
ground substance and fibers
ground substance
watery/gel like substance secreted by cells
fibers
collagen, elastic, or reticular
types of loose connective tissues
areolar, adipose, and reticular
areolar loose connective tissue
-mostly open space
-holds water and salts for surrounding tissues
-found under epithelium and around organs
adipose loose connective tissues
-composed of fat cells (adipocytes)
-have large vacuoles that contain fat and oil
-insulates and warms body
-provides nutrients to other cells
reticular loose connective tissue
-contains reticular fibers, which create a stiff framework that supports other cells
types of dense connective tissues
regular, irregular, and elastic
regular dense connective tissue
-collagen fibers are arranged in one direction
-provides “tensile strength”, like a rope
-found in tendons and ligaments
irregular dense connective tissue
-collagen fibers are arranged in many directions
-provides strength in multiple directions
-found in capsules around organs
elastic dense connective tissue
-provides flexible cushioning
-found between vertebrae and in arteries
characteristics of cartilage tissues
-no blood vessels or nerves
-flexible ground surface
different types of cartilage connective tissue
hyaline, fibro-cartilage, and elastic
