Support Tissues

Question 1

Loose connective tissues

Answer 1

Wrapping and space filling

Sometimes called areolar connective tissue

Question 2

Tendons and ligaments

Answer 2

Connecting regular dense fibrous connective tissues

Question 3

Dermis

Answer 3

The strong component of the skin

Irregular dense fibrous connective tissues

Question 4

Bone and cartilage

Answer 4

Fundamental basics of the skeleton and its joints

Question 5

What are the cell types of loose connective tissue

Answer 5

Resident cells (always present)
Which can be divided into :
-Mast cells (immune function, swelling, inflammation and anaphylaxis) 
-Fat cells (energy storage, space filling and cushioning) 

Immigrant cells (come from circulatory system, not always present)

Question 6

The resident cells of loose CT(5)

Answer 6

Fibroblasts (synthesises extracellular matrix and collagen)
Fat cells
Mast cells (filled with basophils granules and releases histamine during inflammation and allergic reactions)
Endothelial cells (line interior surface of blood and lymphatic vessels)
Pericytes (line endothelial cells, regulate blood flow?)

Question 7

The immigrant cells of the loose CT (4)

Answer 7

Lymphocytes (used in immune system)
Plasma cells (differentiated B lymphocyte that produces specific antibodies)
Macrophages (large phagocytic cell)
Monocytes (type of WBC)

Question 8

Describe dense fibrous connective tissue

Answer 8

Matrix dominate by collagen fibrous. Cells = fibroblasts
Highly organised parallel fibres = regular DFCT
Random collagen fibrous = irregular DFCT

Question 9

Hyaline cartilage functions

Answer 9

Joint surfaces
Foetal skeleton
Tracheal rings

Question 10

How is hyaline cartilage made

Answer 10

Cells called chondrocytes, located in lacuna (holes in extracellular matrix)
Cells in cartilage can divide because in matrix they stay close together and create cell nest = appositional growth
Or
Cartilage has tissue called perichondrium on outside which can generate cartilage form inside = interstitial growth

Grows 2 ways = quick

Question 11

How matrix molecules are formed

Answer 11

Network of collagen fibres - upright deep in the tissue but then curve over till parallel with surface = at surface can resist shear forces
Chondrocytes attach to extracellular matrix and attach to hyaluronan (polysaccharide)
Proteoglycans draw water in and place pressure of collagen

Combination of these factors means matrix can resist compression

Question 12

Name 3 types of cartilage

Answer 12

Elastic
Hyaline
Fibro

Question 13

Describe elastic cartilage

Answer 13

Similar to hyaline
Lots of elastic fibres present
Found in ear and epiglottis

Question 14

Describe fibrocartilage

Answer 14

Intermediate between hyaline and DFCT
Visibly fibrous, high glycosaminoglycan content
E.g. intervertebral disc

Question 15

Intremembranous ossification

Answer 15

Parts of foetus that directly form bone e.g. skull

• mesenchyme (delicate embryonic tissue)
  Cells sparse in extracellular matrix, vascular
• condensation
  Cells come together to form dense mass
• differentiation
  Cells become osteoblasts and secrete bone matrix then embed as osteoblasts and cycle repeated
  Appositional growth

Question 16

Endochrondial ossification

Answer 16

Foetus creates cartilage and then turns to bone

Starts similar to intramembranous But differentiates to cartilage
Makes tiny model of final product
Primary centre = diaphysis
Secondary = epiphysis
Bones grow from these centres but there will still be a space of cartilage = allows room for bone to grow
Cartilage is highly organised and the cells die then get replaced with bone
Controlled by growth hormone = mutation may lead to lack of growth (basis of some forms of dwarfism)