Lecture 9 - Connective Tissues II

Question 1

What are fibroblasts/fibrocytes?

Answer 1

• main cell type found in connective tissue
• responsible for secretion and maintenance of matrix
• produces precursor fibrous products and amorphous components

Question 2

What are resident cells?

Answer 2

Cells other than fibrocytes/fibroblasts which are found in CT.

Examples include: macrophages, mast cells, and plasma cells

Question 3

Describe the characteristics of macrophages.

Answer 3

-10-30μm
-heterochromatic nucleus
-irregular in shape
—wandering macrophages more ovular
—fixed macrophages more irregular with long processes
-amoeboid movement
-part of mononuclear phagocytic system
-extensive Golgi, RER, SER, mitochondria, secretory vesicles, and lysosomes

Question 4

Describe the characteristics of mast cells.

Answer 4

• irregular oval shape
• spherical/ovoid nuclei
• many, large metachromatic granules
• involved in hypersensitive response to allergens

Question 5

Describe the characteristics of plasma cells.

Answer 5

• large pale nuclei with “clock-face” distribution of heterochromatin
• prominent Golgi and RER
• rarely found in CT
• primarily found it serous membranes, lymphoid tissue, and lamina propriety of gut
• antigen releasing cells