Histology Flashcards
What is the basal lamina?
specialized ECM composed of collagen, lamins and glycoprotein
What are the functions of the basal lamina?
separates epithelial cells and underlying connective tissue
surrounds certain types of cells
separates layers of cells
What are the characteristics of loose connective tissue?
acts as packing material: many cells types and few fibers
high amount of ground substance gives appearance of empty space
What are the characteristics of dense irregular connective tissue?
woven collagen fibers, usually found in joints or under skin
What are the characteristics of dense regular connective tissue?
wavy parallel collagen fibers, usually found in tendons
What are the characteristics of reticular fibers?
support branched tissue found in nodes and hemapoetic tissues
What are reticular fibers made of?
Type III Collagen
What are the characteristics of adipose tissue?
large white (fat) pockets with nuclei pushed to the sides
What are the predominant cells in connective tissue?
fibroblasts
What is the function of fibroblasts?
produce most fiber/matrix components
What is the function of myofibroblasts?
secrete like fibroblasts but contract like smooth muscle
What is the function of macrophages?
help immune response, indented nuclei
What is the function of adipose cells?
fat storage (big and white)
What is collagen made of?
three protein chains that wrap around each other, require Vitamin C
What is elastin made up?
elastin and microfibrils, requires fibrilin for elasticity