Connective Tissues

How are fibers formed in connective tissue proper?

Fibroblasts produce proteins which assemble to form fibers. These cells are free to move around and build new tissues wherever it is needed, especially after injury.

What are the three different types of cartilage?

Hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage

What are chondrocytes?

Mature cartilage cells that occupy the lacunae. These cells are locked into position

Describe collagen fibers

They are the longest and strongest type of fiber. They are also resistant to stretching

What is the main function of connective tissues?

They create a structural framework by supporting and surrounding jointing tissues. They also protect organs

Describe areolar tissue and its functions

This type of loose tissue is found nearly everywhere in the body, especially the dermis (skin). It contains many blood vessels. It functions to protect tissues and organs.

Describe regular dense tissue and it's functions

This type of tissue contains collagen fibers that are aligned parallel to one another. It only has a few blood vessels so it's takes a while to heal if this tissue is injured.

Describe dense irregular connective tissue and it's functions

This type of tissue contains collagen fibers that extend in every direction. This type of tissue also contains an extensive blood supply.

Describe elastic connective tissue and it's functions

This type of tissue is densely packed with elastic fibers that are regularly arranged which provide the ability for the tissue to stretch and recoil

Describe fibrocartilage and it's functions

it is a strong incompressible cartilage that is made up of irregular bundles of fiber between large chondrocytes. Ground substance is minimal. It acts as a shock absorber and resist compression.

Although each type of connective tissue has different specialized cells, what do all connective tissues have?

All types of connective tissues have a ground substance which is a honey like substance that helps bind and determine the consistency of the tissue

What is the supporting connective tissue?

Cartilage

What are mast cells?

Cells that contain histamine

What are fibroblasts?

Cells that produce fibers an ground substance

What is the appositional growth of cartilage?

Chondroblast in the perichondrium produce new cartilage along the surface of mature cartilage. It is the most common form of cartilage growth

What is the interstitial growth of cartilage?

Chondrocytes that divide within their lacunae.

What are the three types of protein fibers in the connective tissue?

Elastic, collagen, and reticular fibers

What is the perichondrium?

It is a dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds chondroblasts to produce new cartilage.

What is the lacunae?

It is a small fluid filled space within the cartilage plate.

Describe adipose connective tissue and it's functions

It is a type of loose tissue that is made up of closely packed adipocytes. It functions to store energy, insulate, cushion, and protect.

Describe elastic cartilage and it's functions

It is a weblike mesh of flexible cartilage made up of elastic fibers. The chondrocytes are are closely packed. It serves to maintain shape while permitting flexibility

Describe cartilage

It is made up of small thin plates of solid material material. This type of tissue is avascular and replies on diffusion of nutrients from blood vessels form the perichondrium, which means that when it is injured, it is extremely hard to heal

Describe hyaline cartilage and it's function

It is the most common type of cartilage. It has a glassy appearance. It is surrounded by perichondrium. It forms most of fetal skeleton

What are the two types of connective tissue proper?

Loose and Dense. This is classified depending on how tightly packed the fibers are

What is the difference between loose and dense connective tissue proper?

Loose has a lot more ground substance and packing allows space for migrating cells, blood, and nerves while dense packing has less ground substance and just makes for a stronger tissue.

What are the three types of dense connective tissue?

Regular, irregular, and elastic.

What parts of the body is built from regular dense tissues?

Tendons and ligaments. Tendons bind to muscles to bones and ligaments binds bone to bone

Describe elastic fibers

These fibers stretch and appear wavy. They contain the protein elastin.

What are mesenchymal Cells?

They are connective tissue stem cells. If any of the connective tissues becomes damaged these cells will start to divide.

What are lymphocytes?

They are disease fighting white blood cells

Describe reticular fibers

They are similar to collagen fibers but they are much thinner. Their fibers form a branching interwoven framework that is touch but flexible.

What are chondroblast?

They are the immature form of cartilage that will later form into chondrocytes. These cells are free to move until they turn into chondrocytes