Connective tissues Flashcards
What are the functions of connective tissue?
Structural framework, protection, supports/interconnects tissues, energy storage, transport and defense against microorganisms
What are the 6 cell types found in connective tissue?
Fibroblast, mesenchymal, adipocytes, osteoblasts and hematopoietic cells
What are fibroblasts?
They produce collagen, proteoglycans and glycoproteins
What are mesenchymal cells?
Connective tissue stem cells
What are adipocytes?
Cells that store and release fats
What are chondrocytes?
Produce and maintain cartilage components
What are osteoblasts?
Produce bone components
What are hematopoietic cells?
Produce red blood cells and immune cells
What is embryonic connective tissue?
Rich in ECM and mesenchymal cells- there is some collagen and elastic fibers
What types of cells are found in loose areolar CT?
Fixed cells like mesenchymal cells, fibroblast and adipocytes- there are also wandering cells like macrophages, mast cells, and plasma cells
What is the function of loose connective tissue?
Support and bind other tissues, hold body fluids and defense against infection
Where is loose connective tissue generally found?
underneath the membranous epithelia, blood vessels, muscles and nerves
What are the components of adipose CT?
It is composed mostly of adipocytes and very little ECM
What is the function of adipose CT?
Reserve of energy and will provide insulation against heat loss
Where is adipose CT generally found?
Under the skin, around organs in the abdomen, buttock and breast
What is reticular loose CT?
A connective tissue composed mostly of reticular fibers that functions in creating a matrix to hold free cells
Where is reticular loose CT generally found?
In the liver, bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen
What are the components of dense irregular CT?
ECM is composed mostly of tightly woven collagen fibers that have no distinct pattern- Fibroblast are the primary cell type
Where is dense irregular CT generally found?
in the dermis of the skin, fascia, perichondrium/periosteum and capsules that surround internal organs
What is the dense regular CT composed of?
ECM is tightly compacted regularly arranged collagen fibers- fibroblast are the main cell type
What is the function of dense regular CT?
Resist pulling forces
Where is dense regular CT generally found?
Tendons, ligaments, aponeurosis, joint capsules and dense fascia
What is the purpose of collagens?
to resist tension- most common is type 1
What is the elastin and what is the composition?
A stretchable fiber that is composed of tropoelastin, fibulin-1 and fibrillins 1/2
