connective tissues Flashcards
What is the primary function of connective tissue?
It binds, supports and strengthens other body tissues.
What is a major transport system of the body?
Blood is a connective tissue.
What is a major site of stored energy reserves in the body?
Fat or adipose tissue.
Where is connective tissue NOT found?
On body surfaces.
What can connective tissue be in terms of vascularity?
Highly vascular, with exceptions like cartilage and tendons.
What does connective tissue consist of?
Extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells.
What are the two main components of the extracellular matrix (ECM)?
Ground substance and protein fibres.
What are the three major types of protein fibres found in the ECM?
- Collagen fibres
- Reticular fibres
- Elastic fibres
What is the composition of ground substance in connective tissue?
- Water
- Proteins
- Polysaccharides
What are glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) also known as?
Mucopolysaccharides.
What do glycosaminoglycans form when they join with core proteins?
Proteoglycans.
What is an example of a non-sulphated GAG?
Hyaluronic acid.
True or False: Hyaluronic acid is sulphated and covalently bound to a core protein.
False.
What is the role of hyaluronic acid in the body?
Binds cells together, lubricates joints, and maintains the shape of the eyeball.
What does chondroitin sulphate support?
Provides adhesive features of cartilage, bone, skin, and blood vessels.
What type of connective tissue is adipose tissue?
Loose connective tissue.
What is the primary role of fibroblasts?
Secrete components of the matrix (fibres and ground substance).
What type of connective tissue cells are macrophages?
Phagocytic cells.
What are the two types of mature connective tissues?
- Loose connective tissue
- Dense connective tissue
What type of connective tissue is characterized by a dense network of collagen and elastic fibres?
Cartilage.
What is the basic unit of compact bone called?
Osteon.
What are the four parts of an osteon?
- Lamellae
- Lacunae
- Canaliculi
- Central (Haversian) canal
What is the function of osteoclasts?
Break down bone.
What is the difference between compact bone and spongy bone?
- Compact bone: dense and contains osteons
- Spongy bone: porous and lacks osteons
What genetic condition is associated with a defect in elastic fibres?
Marfan Syndrome.
What do elastic fibres consist of?
Elastin surrounded by the glycoprotein fibrillin.
What are the two subtypes of loose connective tissue?
- Areolar connective tissue
- Adipose connective tissue
What type of connective tissue is characterized by closely packed collagen fibres?
Dense regular connective tissue.
What are the functions of blood as a connective tissue?
Transport nutrients, gases, and waste throughout the body.
What type of connective tissue is blood classified as?
Liquid connective tissue.
What is the composition of blood connective tissue?
Blood connective tissue consists of blood plasma (a liquid extracellular matrix) and formed elements (red cells, white cells, and platelets)
Formed elements of blood include erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.
What is the primary function of erythrocytes?
Erythrocytes transport oxygen and carbon dioxide
Erythrocytes are also known as red blood cells (RBC).
What role do leukocytes play in the body?
Leukocytes combat disease
They include several types, each with specific functions.
What are the functions of neutrophils and monocytes?
Neutrophils and monocytes (macrophages) are phagocytic, engulfing bacteria
Phagocytosis is a process where cells ingest harmful particles.
What substances do basophils and mast cells release?
Basophils and mast cells release substances like histamine that intensify the inflammatory reaction
Basophils are mobile, while mast cells mature and become fixed in tissues.
What are eosinophils effective against?
Eosinophils are effective against certain parasitic worms and in acute allergic responses
They play a role in the immune system.
What is the function of lymphocytes?
Lymphocytes are involved in the immune response
They include T cells and B cells, which are crucial for adaptive immunity.
What is the role of platelets in blood?
Platelets are involved in clotting
They are derived from megakaryocytes in red marrow.
What is the basic structure of connective tissue?
Connective tissue is composed of cells and the matrix between
The matrix can include fibers and ground substance.
Fill in the blank: Blood connective tissue consists of blood plasma and _______.
formed elements
Formed elements include red cells, white cells, and platelets.
True or False: Erythrocytes have a nucleus.
False
Erythrocytes (red blood cells) do not contain a nucleus.
What are the main types of leukocytes?
- Neutrophils
- Monocytes
- Basophils
- Eosinophils
- Lymphocytes
Each type has distinct roles in the immune system.
