Connective Tissue

Fibrocartilage

Type of cartilage that contains both chondrocytes and collagen; used for fusion & support and found in the knees and intervertebral disks of the back. Fibrocartilage is found in the pubic symphysis, the anulus fibrosus of intervertebral discs, menisci, and the TMJ. During labor, relaxin loosens the pubic symphysis to aid in delivery, but this can lead to later joint problems.

Areolar (loose) Connective Tissue

Connective Tissue that contains all three types of fibers, usually arranged in a disorderly fashion (found in the subcutaneous layers of the skin). It holds organs in place and attaches epithelial tissue to other underlying tissues. It also surrounds the blood vessels and nerves. Almost all cells obtain their nutrients from and release their wastes into areolar connective tissue.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Connective tissue made from collagen fibers that run in the same direction (makes tendons and ligaments). Dense regular connective tissue has great tensile strength that resists pulling forces especially well in one direction. DRCT has a very poor blood supply, which is why damaged tendons and ligaments are slow to heal.

Elastic Connective Tissue

Connective tissue made from elastic fibers that allows stretching (found in the skin, lungs, arteries, veins, connective tissue proper, elastic cartilage, periodontal ligament, fetal tissue and other structures.)

Vascular Tissue (Blood)

Connective tissue responsible for transport of oxygen and nutrients in the blood

Adipose Connective Tissue

Connective tissue that consists of adipocytes and is used for insulation and long-term energy storage (found around the heart, kidneys, and in the subcutaneous layers of the skin). Its main role is to store energy in the form of lipids, although it also cushions and insulates the body.

Reticular Connective Tissue

Connective tissue that contains reticular fibers and cells; used to make the framework of major organs. Reticular connective tissue is found around the liver, the kidney, the spleen, and lymph nodes, as well as in bone marrow. Reticular connective tissue resembles areolar connective tissue, but the only fibers in its matrix are reticular fibers, which form a delicate network along which fibroblasts called reticular cells lie scattered. Although reticular fibers are widely distributed in the body, reticular tissue is limited to certain sites. It forms a labyrinth-like stroma (literally, "bed or "mattress"), or internal framework, that can support many free blood cells (large lymphocytes) in lymph nodes, the spleen, and red bone marrow.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Connective tissue that is made from collagen fibers that are randomly arranged (found in fascia, heart valves). Dense irregular tissues have fibroblasts and matrix fibers (mostly collagen) that are oriented differently, e.g. not oriented in a parallel fashion. This tissue is present in the skin.

Mesenchyme

Embryonic connective tissue from which all tissues develop. Loosely associated cells that lack polarity and are surrounded by a large extracellular matrix. They are able to develop into the tissues of the lymphatic and circulatory systems, as well as connective tissues throughout the body, such as bone and cartilage.

Hyaline Cartilage

Most common type of cartilage; it is found on the ends of long bones, ribs, and nose. It is found on many joint surfaces. It is pearly bluish in color with firm consistency and has a considerable amount of collagen. It contains no nerves or blood vessels, and its structure is relatively simple.

Osseous Tissue (Bone)

Strongest of all connective tissue; it forms the skeletal system. Bone tissue is a mineralized connective tissue. It is formed by cells, called osteoblasts, that deposit a matrix of Type-I collagen and also release calcium, magnesium, and phosphate ions that ultimately combine chemically within the collagenous matrix into a crystalline mineral, known as bone mineral, in the form of hydroxyapatite.

Elastic Cartilage

Type of cartilage that has a little bit of flexibility; found on the external ear. It is historically similar to hyaline cartilage but contains many yellow elastic fibers lying in a solid matrix. These fibers form bundles that appear dark under a microscope. These fibers give elastic cartilage great flexibility so that it is able to withstand repeated bending. The chondrocytes lie between the fibers. It is found in the epiglottis (part of the larynx) and the pinnae (the external ear flaps of many mammals including humans).