Tissue Mechanics Flashcards
What are the 3 primary components of connective tissue?
- Fibrous proteins
- Ground substance
- Cells
What are 3 types of fibrous proteins?
Type I Collagen
Type II Collagen
Elastin
What are characteristics of type I collagen?
thick
stiff
binding
Where in the body is type I collagen found?
- Ligaments
- Tendons
- Fibrous joint capsules
What are characteristics of type II collagen?
- Thin
- Lower tensile strength
- Provides framework for other structures
- Provides internal strength
Where in the body is type II collagen found?
hyaline cartilage
What are characteristics of elastin?
- Small fibrils (larger than type II though)
- resists tension
- elastic properties
Where in the body is elastin found?
Walls of arteries
Lungs
Intestines
Skin
Other elastic tissues (hyaline cartilage and ligamentum flavum)
What is Ground substance made up of?
Proteoglycans (Glycosaminoglycans or GAGs)
Water
Solutes
GAG molecules have a negative charge. What important effect does this have on the ground substance of connective tissue?
They are hydrophilic and attract water into the tissue
What are the main functions of cells in connective tissues?
- Synthesize ground substance
- Tissue maintenance and repair
- Constant turnover
Do NOT influence mechanical properties
What are the 2 main cells in connective tissues and where can you find them?
Fibroblasts (ligaments, tendons, supportive CTs)
Chondrocytes (hyaline articular cartilage and fibrocartilage)
Where in the body can you find dense connective tissue?
Ligaments
Tendons
Perimuscular fascia
What is the composition of dense connective tissue?
HIGH type I collagen
LOW elastin
LOW fibroblasts
Does dense connective tissue have good or poor healing and why?
Poor healing due to low vascularity
How does dense connective tissue adapt to stress/strain?
Increased stiffness (increased collagen and GAG synthesis)
How is IRREGULAR dense connective tissue different from regular dense connective tissue?
Collagen is arranged irregularly (disorganized) in ground substance while fibers are arranged in parallel for regular
Where can you find IRREGULAR dense connective tissue?
joint capsules