types of permanent resident cells

Question 1

Mesenchymal cells

Answer 1

Stem cells that divide upon tissue damage / inflammation, and then differentiate into various permanent connective tissue cells, depending on location

Question 2

Fibroblasts

Answer 2

These cells are the most abundant cell type common to ALL connective tissue proper and are largely responsible for creating the matrix.
Fibroblasts also create the protein subunits that join together to form the 3 types of extracellular fibres.

Question 3

3 types of extracellular fibres

Answer 3

elastic fibres
reticular fibres
collagen fibres

Question 4

Adipocytes

Answer 4

Fat cells store triglycerides as a large droplet that can be broken down for energy.

Question 5

Melanocytes

Answer 5

Present in tissues such as the eye and skin dermis, producing the pigment melanin.

Question 6

Mast cells

Answer 6

Important mediators in inflammation (the body’s response to injury or pathogenic infections). Mast cells are found near blood vessels, and their intracellular granules contain histamine (causes vasodilation) and heparin (inhibits blood coagulation).

Question 7

Elastic fibres

Answer 7

Consist of elastin, which is a branched, stretchy material which can spring back to their original shape after e.g. vertebrae.

Question 8

Reticular fibres

Answer 8

Branched network of fibres, strong in many directions. These are used to hold organs and their supporting tissues (blood vessels, nerves) in place.

Question 9

Collagen fibres

Answer 9

Long, unbranched materials that form tendons (connect muscle to bone) and ligaments (connect bones to each other) and the support structure in the heart and liver.