Rheumatology Flashcards
What are the 6 main functions of connective tissue?
Binds together, supports, and strengthens other body tissues
Protects and insulates internal organs
Compartmentalises structures (skeletal muscle)
Transport system within the body
Site of stored energy reserves
Main site for immune response
Which embryological tissue does cartilage derive from?
Mesoderm
Describe the vascularity of cartilage?
Avascular
What are the 3 class components of the structure of connective tissue?
Cells
Fibres
Ground substance
What 7 cells comprise connective tissue?
Fibroblasts Macrophages Mast cells plasma cells Lymphocytes leukocytes Adipose cells
What are the 3 main fibres of connective tissue?
Reticular
Elastic
Collagen
What are the 2 main ground substance molecules that comprise connective tissue?
Macromolecules
Multi-adhesive glycoproteins
What is ground substance of extracellular matrix in terms of connective tissue?
Amorphous gelatinous material, occupies space between fibres sand cells
What are the large molecules that comprise connective tissue ground substance?
Glycosaminoglycans linked together to form proteoglycans
Where does connective tissue not occur?
Does not occur on free surfaces
Which connective tissue is not supplied by nerves?
Cartilage
Which connective tissue types are not highly vascular?
Cartilage and tendons
What is the main function of extracellular matrix?
Resides as an intermediary between cells & fibres, facilitating a supportive role towards binding cells together
Provides medium through which substances are exchanged
What is the principal fibres of fibres within connective tissue?
Support & strengthen connective tissue
What are the main properties of collagen fibres?
Strong, resist force, and flexible
In terms of diameter compare elastic fibres with collagen?
The diameter of elastic fibre is comparatively smaller than that of collagen fibres.
Which proteins are associated with elastic fibres?
Elastin proteins
Describe the structure of elastic fibres?
Elastic fibres are essential extracellular matrix macromolecules comprising of an elastin core surrounded by a mantle of fibrillar rich microfibrils.
What properties are endowed by elastic fibres to blood vessels, lungs and skin?
Properties of elasticity and resilience
What are the main functions of reticular fibres?
Provide support for walls of blood vessels
Comprise of collagen with a glycoprotein covering
What is the main function of fibroblasts in connective tissue?
Fibroblasts function as accessory cells in immune & inflammatory responses, cytokine release, mediators enable fibroblast leukocyte interactions
Modifies extracellular matrix components , secretes collagen
Describe the structure and appearance of fibroblasts?
Large flat cells with branching processes, migrates through connective tissues secreting the fibres & ground substance
What are macrophages?
Perform immunological function and engulf material by phagocytosis
Which cells are macrophages derived from?
Monocytes within the bone marrow
Which tissue resident cells within connective tissue residing proximal to blood vessels, release histamine ?
Mast cells
How do mast cells release histamine?
Through mast-cell degranulation
What is the main function of histamine?
Vasodilator,
Enables diapedesis of neutrophils to exhibit an inflammatory response
Where are adipocytes located?
Located within adipose tissue
What is the main function of adipocytes?
Storage of triglycerides, site of lipolysis, and lipogenesis
What are the four main types of connective tissue?
Connective tissue proper
Cartilage
Bone tissue
Blood
What are the three main types of cartilage?
Hyaline cartilage
Elastic cartilage
Fibrocartilage
What are the 2 main categories of connective tissue proper?
Loose connective tissue
Dense connective tissue
What are the two main types of bone?
Compact cortical
Spongy cancellous
What is the main function performed by connective tissue proper?
Binding tissue, and resisting mechanical stress (tension)
Which 4 main cells are located within connective tissue proper?
Fibroblasts
Fibrocytes
Defence cells
adipocytes
What are the 3 main categories of loose connective tissue proper?
Areolar
Adipose
Reticular
What is the function of areolar tissue?
Lines organs
Provides structural support, holds organs in place, attaching epithelial tissue to underlying tissues
Serves as a reservoir of water and salts for surrounding tissues (Tissues absorb nutrients and release water into areolar connective tissue)
Which type of loose connective tissue proper serves as a water reservoir?
Areolar connective tissue proper
What is the main function of adipose tissue?
Adipose tissue contains adipocytes, a triglyceride storage cell, in addition to providing insulating and force absorbing properties.
What type of support is provided by reticular connective tissue?
Fibres provide stromal support to lymphoid organs (lymph nodes, stromal cells, red bone marrow and spleen(
What type of collagen forms reticular loose connective tissue?
Type III collagen
What are the three main types of dense connective tissue?
Regular
Irregular
Elastic
What is dense connective tissue proper?
Dense regular connective tissue provide connection between different tissues; collagen fibres are bundled in a parallel fashion (Tendons & ligaments)
What is the structure of irregular connective tissue proper?
Irregular unparalleled fashion (skin, dermis)