Stromal environment

Question 1

Definition of connective tissue

Answer 1

any supporting tissue that lies between other tissues and consists of cells embedded in a relatively large amount of extracellular matrix. Includes, bone cartilage and loose connective tissue

Question 2

definition of extracellular matrix

Answer 2

a complete network of polysaccharides (such as glycosaminoglycans or cellulose) and proteins (such as collagen) secreted by cells. serves as a structural element in the tissues and also influences their development and physiology

Question 3

What is the function of the extracellular matrix?

Answer 3

• Support for cells
• Pattern of ECM regulates a) polarity b) cell division c) adhesion d) motility
• development a) migration b) differentiation
• growth factors

Question 4

what does the extracellular matrix consist of?

Answer 4

• Not solely made up of cells
• intricate network of macromolecules
• secreted by cells locally
• assembled and organised into meshwork by cells producing them
• varieties of form: bone, teeth, cornea, tendons
• not inert scaffold
• active and complex role in regulating cell behaviour
• influences: cell survival, development, migration, proliferation shape and function

Question 5

what are the cells of the normal stroma?

Answer 5

1) fibroblasts
2) endothelial cells
3) inflammatory cells

Question 6

What is a proto-oncogene?

Answer 6

will cause cancer

Question 7

describe angiogenesis

Answer 7

is the formation of blood vessels, for a tumour to grow it needs an adequate supply of blood when u have uncontrolled cell growth what do you need more blood, therefore it will interact with more endothelial cells to make more blood vessels, so it is not going to outgrow itself and die off

carcinoma cells in order to survive will need to produce factors which will induce the matrix to allow the blood vessel formation

Question 8

What can you do about dyplasia ?

Answer 8

U can laser off dysplasia but in some cases it grows back and becomes dysplasia again and this is because of the stroma

Question 9

describe ECM

Answer 9

is a non-cellular network of macromolecules, including fibrous structures proteins, glycoproteins, growth factors and proteoglycans that form a structure providing other surrounding cells with physical and biochemical support