Tissue Extracelluar Matrix Flashcards
Four basic types of human tissues:
Epithelial
Muscle
Neural
Connective
Connective tissue
binds the cells
and organs of the body together
(forming its structure)
Connective
tissue:
Functions
Support + protection
Transportation
Energy reserve storage
Defence
Extracellular
matrix:Connective tissue fibres
Collagen fibres - High tensile strength
• Elastic fibres- Stretch + recoil
• Reticular fibres – Form the internal
structure/skeleton of soft organs (e.g., spleen)
Extracellular
matrix:
Ground substance
• Fills spaces between cells +
surrounds connective tissue
fibres
• Contains mostly water, some
cell adhesion proteins & large
polysaccharide molecules
Types of
Connective
tissue:
- Connective tissue proper
• Loose connective tissue
• Densely packed connective tissue - Fluid connective tissues
• Blood
• Lymph - Supportive connective tissues
• Cartilage
Bone
Loose Connective tissue
fill spaces between organs,
provide cushioning and support to epithelia
Types
• Areolar tissue – forms layer that separates skin
from deeper structures; extensive blood supply
(caters to metabolic requirements of
surrounding epithelial tissue); provides padding;
elastic
• Adipose tissue – fat cells/adipocytes (e.g., fills
bony sockets behind eyes)
• Reticular tissue – stabilises position of functional
cells in bone marrow and lymph nodes
Dense connective tissue
Collagen fibres – densely packed: tough, strong,
durable, resist distortion, tension and interconnect
bones and muscles.
Types
• Dense regular connective tissue
• Tendons – attach skeletal muscle to bones
• Ligaments – connect one bone to another, can
stretch
• Dense irregular connective tissue
• Strengthens and supports areas subject to
stresses; gives skin its strength, covers bone
and cartilage, forms capsule which surrounds
internal cavities
Specialised
cells of
connective
tissue proper
Fibroblasts - produce connective tissue fibres +
ground substance
Fibrocytes - maintain connective tissue fibres in
connective tissue proper
Macrophages - phagocytize (engulf) pathogens or
damaged cells
Fat cells/adipocytes
Mast cells – mobile cells, contain histamine and
heparin (chemicals released after injury/infection)
Fluid connective tissue
Blood
• Red blood cells (Erythrocytes)
- transport O2 and CO2
• White blood cells
(Lymphocytes) - Immune
system
• Platelets - blood clotting
• Plasma
Lymph
Forms as interstitial fluid
drains into lymphatic vessels
that return to cardiovascular
system. Immune cells monitor
lymph composition and
respond to signs of infection/injury
Supporting connective tissue: Cartilage
Firm gel containing embedded fibres
• Chondrocytes – only cells in cartilage matrix
• Avascular – thus chondrocytes must get nutrients & eliminate waste by diffusion through
matrix
Types
• Hyaline - provides support, reduces friction, between bony surfaces
• Elastic - provides support, tolerates distortion without damage
• Fibrocartilage - resists compression, prevents bone to bone contact, limits movement
Supporting connective tissue: Cartilage
Firm gel containing embedded fibres
• Chondrocytes – only cells in cartilage matrix
• Avascular – thus chondrocytes must get nutrients & eliminate waste by diffusion through
matrix
Types
• Hyaline - provides support, reduces friction, between bony surfaces
• Elastic - provides support, tolerates distortion without damage
• Fibrocartilage - resists compression, prevents bone to bone contact, limits movement
Epithelial tissue + examples
Group of cells that cover the exterior
surfaces of the body, line internal cavities
and passageways, and form certain
glands.
Examples
- Skin
- Lining of digestive, respiratory, and
urinary tract
- Lining of cavities surrounding heart and
lungs
- Lining of fluid filled chambers in the eye rain and ear
Epithelial tissue + examples
Group of cells that cover the exterior
surfaces of the body, line internal cavities
and passageways, and form certain
glands.
Examples
- Skin
- Lining of digestive, respiratory, and
urinary tract
- Lining of cavities surrounding heart and
lungs
- Lining of fluid filled chambers in the eye rain and ear
What is Epithelial tissue
Composed of ?
Epithelia: The cells that
cover external and internal
surfaces
Glands: cells that secrete
fluid
Most glands are formed
during development by
proliferation of epithelial
cells so that they project
into the underlying
connective tissue