Tissue organisation - cellular basis Flashcards
What are 3 forms of CT and how do they vary?
soft
semi-hard (cartilage)
hard (bone)
vary in ECM composition (determined by syn and secretion of components of matrix by supporting cells)
What is soft CT?
Consists of cells embedded in ECM – not together in sheets
What do cells of soft CT do?
synthesise and secrete components of ECM
Is composition of ECM always the same?
variable composition
- depends upon function of ECM
What does epithelium do?
Lines lumen
What is fibroblast?
Cell that syn + secrete proteins and proteoglycans - push them out into env where they get stabilised
List what is found in soft CT? (10)
Basal lamina Collagen fibre Capillary Mast cell Fibroblast Macrophage Hyaluronan Proteoglycans Glycoproteins Elastic fibre Adipose cells
How does soft CT function as space filler?
space filler between organs & provides mechanical support e.g. holding intestines in pos
What is function of soft CT in terms of organs?
attachment of organs to backwall of body/ where u can anchor organ &; protection of organ from impact
What is function of soft CT in terms of nutrients?
highway for nutrients in blood vessels – dissolved nutrients in plasma
What is function of soft CT in terms of storage?
fat (adipose cells) – build up reserve of these against future starvation & calcium for days when there’s not much calcium – need for nerve growth and growth conduction, muscle contraction – if low on calcium – top up level to what’s phys normal
What is function of soft CT in terms of immunological defence?
site of immunological defence – macrophages – where bacteria and parasites are so that’s where they need to be killed
What are 5 types of soft CT?
Mesenchyme Loose (areolar) Dense Reticular Adipose
What is mesenchyme?
specialised early connective tissue in embryo – setting down future organs for body
Where is loose (areolar) CT found?
mesentery, under dermis (hypodermis). v. flexible and open sponge-like – in places where lots of movement in parts of body are required so u don’t rip skin
Where is dense CT found?
Tendon at end of muscles, dermis – above hypodermis and underneath epidermis – gives tension and solidity to skin, capsules – organs e.g. kidney – CT surrounds it to hold it in place
Where is reticular CT found?
In bone marrow – stem cells and progeny have to held in place, lymph nodes – sim thing in lymph nodes
Where is adipose CT found?
Fat cell
How do types of soft CT vary?
in collagen & proteoglycan form
What does the ECM consist of?
Proteins – glycoproteins
Glycosaminoglycans – GAGs = sugars
Together these form large hydrated gel
What is role of collagen in ECM?
tensile strength of matrix
What is role of elastin in ECM?
elasticity of matrix
What is role of adhesive protein in ECM?
adhesion proteins for fibroblasts & other cells – proteins cells will attach to e.g. stem cells ion bone marrow, don’t float in space but have to attach to matrix to proliferate and diff properly
Which is most abundant protein in soft CT?
Collagen