Connective tissues + joints Flashcards
What are the functions of connective tissue?
Bind and support other tissues; protect and insulate organs; transport nutrients
What are connective tissues comprised of?
Cells amid a matrix
What are -blasts?
Immature cells, typically secrete matrix
What are -cytes?
Mature cells, typically maintain matrix
What is the matrix comprised of?
Protein fibres amid ground substance
What are the two types of protein fibre and their properties?
Elastin and collagen. Elastin is thin and flexible, whilst collagen is thick and strong
What are proteoglycans?
A polypeptide chain with polysaccharide side chains
What is the ground substance?
Can be fluid/gel/solid, is amorphous. Supports and binds cells together, as well as providing a medium for exchange
What are the three types of cartilage?
Hyaline, fibrocartilaginous, elastic
What is the function of hyaline cartilage?
Covers articulate surface to reduce friction and absorb shock
What is the composition of hyaline?
Chondrocytes, with a resilient gel ground substance and fine collagen
What is the function of fibrocartilage?
Forms discs and rings between joints to resist pressure
What is the composition of fibrocartilage?
Chondrocytes, with bundles of thick collagen
Name an example of elastic cartilage.
Cartilage of ear
What is dense regular connective tissue?
Provide strong attachment between structures, e.g ligaments and tendons
What is the composition of dense regular tissue?
Fibroblasts, with collagen in parallel bundles and few elastin, providing great tensile strength
What is dense irregular tissue?
Provides strength in multiple directions, e.g. joint capsules and deep fascia
What is the composition of dense irregular tissue?
Fibroblasts, with randomly arranged collagen and few elastin
Name an example of elastic connective tissue
Tissue of lungs
What are the three categories of joints?
Fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial
What are the features of a fibrous joint?
Very strong, with high stability and low mobility, and no joint cavity
What is an example of a fibrous joint?
The sutures of the skull
What are the two types of cartilaginous joints?
Primary (synchondrosis), and secondary (symphysis)
What are the features of synchondrosis?
Only hyaline, immobile, with no joint cavity
What is the main function of primary cartilaginous joints?
Are points from which joints grow
What is an example of a primary cartilaginous joint?
The joint between the 1st rib and sternum
What are the features of symphysis?
Both hyaline and cartilage, immobile, with no joint cavity (though small amount of movement is allowed), and no direct articulations between bones
Where are secondary cartilaginous joints found?
Only along the mid-line of the body
What is an example of a secondary cartilaginous joint?
The pubic symphysis
What is the composition of a synovial joint?
Hyaline, surrounded by synovial fluid, surrounded by synovial membrane, surrounded by joint capsule
What is the purpose of synovial fluid?
Lubricates and reduces friction
What is the purpose of the synovial membrane?
Holds and secretes fluid
What are the different types of synovial joint? (6)
Hinge, saddle, ball and socket, plane, pivot, ellipsoid
What movements do hinge joints allow?
Flexion and extension
What are the features of hinge joints?
Convex articular surface which fits into concave surface on adjacent bone, with ligament on medial and lateral sides
What is an example of a hinge joint?
Elbow, knee
What movements do plane joints allow?
Rotation
What are the features of a plane joint?
Flat or slightly curved surfaces
What is an example of a plane joint?
Zygapophyseal joints
What movements do pivot joints allow?
Rotation
What are the features of a pivot joint?
Rounded bony process inserted into a ring of bone and ligament
What is an example of a pivot joint?
Superior radioulna joint
What movements do ellipsoid joints allow?
Flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, circumduction
What are the features of ellipsoid joints?
Convex oval on one bone inserts into concave oval in opposing bone
What is an example of an ellipsoid joint?
Wrist
What movements do saddle joints allow?
Flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, circumduction. Can passively move in transverse plane
What are the features of saddle joints?
First articular surface convex in one direction, concave in other. Second surface is complementary
What is an example of a saddle joint?
Thumb
What movements do ball and socket joints allow?
All
What is another word for ball and socket?
Enthrosis
What is an example of a ball and socket joint?
Hip and shoulder
