Connective Tissues

Question 1

What are some examples of connective tissues in the body?

Answer 1

• Bone (provides structural integrity)
• Cartilage (protects joints)
• Tendons/Ligaments (Connect muscles and bones)
• Adipose tissue (energy storage)
• Mesentery (connects intestine to abdomen)

Question 2

What are the 3 main components which make up connective tissues?

Answer 2

• Ground substance
• Extracellular matrix (ECM)
• Cells

Question 3

What is the ground substance?

Answer 3

• Provides biochemical support
• Clear semi-solid gel
• Provides tissue volume

Question 4

What are the fibres found in the ECM and what’s their function?

Answer 4

• Provide structural support & tensile strength

- 2 Types: Collagen & Elastin

Question 5

Whats the difference between collagen and elastin?

Answer 5

Collagen fibres are STRONGEST & most abundant = TENSILE STRENGTH

Elastin fibres are LONG & branched = STRETCH & RECOIL ability

Question 6

What are the 3 categories of cells found within the ECM & whats their function?

Answer 6

___blasts -> synthesise ECM
___cytes -> maintain ECM
___clasts -> breakdown/recycle ECM

Question 7

What are the two main classifications of connective tissue proper and whats the difference?

Answer 7

Loose (mostly ground substance

Dense (mostly fibres)

Question 8

What are some connective tissue disorders and what do they impact?

Answer 8

Scurvy - Lack of Vit C, leads to defective collagen formation (loose teeth)

Sjorgren’s - Autoimmune disease affects glands, leads to dry eyes, mouth -> increased caries..