1. Connective Tissue

2. 3 Components Specialized Cells
Protein Fibers (outside the specialized cells)
Fluid ground substance
“semi-fluid matrix”
Examples: bone, fat, and blood

3. Types of Connective Tissue
Loose Connective Tissue (areolar)
Structure-general
The least specialized tissue in the body
Few specialized cells made up mostly of ground substance
Contains elastin- therefore it can distort and return to its original shape
Also contains collagen fibers
Function-general
Found underneath the skin
Forms a layer that separates skin from deeper structures.
Cushions shocks- provides padding
Surrounds and supports blood vessels and nerves
Stores lipids
Contains tiny capillaries therefore it’s a good route for diffusion (subcutaneous shots)

4. Loose Connective Tissue

5. Specialized Loose Connective Tissue
Adipose Tissue- “fat”
Structure
Specialized cells called adipocytes plus a “matrix” of fluid and protein fibers
Each adipocyte contains a fat vacuole with lipids stored in it
Function
Adipose tissues accounts for 15-30% of the normal adult weight.
Its is an energy reserve
Padding cushions shock
Insulator
Supports tissues and organs

6. Adipose Tissue

7. Specialized Loose Connective Tissue
Reticular Tissue
Structure
- fibrous framework or “stroma”
Function
- supports the functional cells of organs
Location
- spleen, liver and lymph nodes

8. Reticular Connective Tissue

9. Dense Connective Tissue
Is also called “collagenous tissue” or “fibrous connective tissue”
Dominant protein fibers are collagen
Specialized cells are called fibroblasts
Ground substance is clear and colorless

10. Types Of Dense Connective Tissue
Dense Regular Connective Tissue
structure- collagen fibers are arranged parallel to each other and are tightly packed fibers are aligned with forces placed on tissues.

11. Dense Regular Connective Tissue
Examples:
i. Tendons-
Structure: are similar to cords
Have large number of fibroblasts between collagen fibers
Function: connect skeletal muscle to bone
Transfer pull of contracting muscle to bone

12. Tendons

13. Dense Regular Connective Tissue
Aponeuroses and Muscle Fascia-
Structure- sheets or ribbons somewhat like broad, flat tendons
Function- attach, stabilize, enclose and separate muscles and other internal organs

14. Dense Regular Connective Tissue
Elastic Tissue-
Structure- here the elastin fibers outnumber the collagen fibers
Specialized cells are still fibroblasts
Function- cushions shocks to body
Can stretch and rebound, expand and contract
Walls of blood vessels and respiratory passages, stabilize position of spine.

15. Elastic Tissue Aorta

16. Dense Regular Connective Tissue
Ligaments-
Structure- resemble tendons
Contain elastin and collagen fibers
Function- can tolerate a small amount of stretching
Connect bone to bone

18. Types of Dense Connective Tissue
Dense Irregular Connective Tissue
Structure- fibers form an interwoven meshwork that do not show a pattern
Function- provides strength to resist forces applied to the body
Gives skin its strength
Prevents overexpansion of urinary bladder
Surrounds organs such as the kidneys and spleen
Encloses cavities of joints

19. Irregular Connective Tissue

20. Types of Connective Tissue
Fluid Connective Tissue
Structure- watery ground substance or fluid matrix called plasma
Specialized cells called “formed elements” including:
Red Blood cells- Erythrocytes
White Blood cells- Leukocytes
Platelets
Functions- transports oxygen and carbon dioxide
Protects against disease
Closes wounds
Transports nutrients to the cells of the body.

21. Types of Connective Tissue
Supporting Connective Tissue
Two Types:
Cartilage:
Structure: specialized cells called Chondrocytes
fluid matrix is a firm gel
may or may not contain collagen or elastin
Types/ Funcitons:
HYALINE cartilage: covers bony surfaces and acts as “pads” between bones.
ELASTIC cartilage: connects the ribs, supports passageways, forms ears and nose.
FIBROCARTILAGE: makes up “framework” for the body of embryonic humans

22. Hyaline Cartilage

23. Types of Connective Tissue
Bone- Osseous Tissue
Structure: specialized cells are called osteocytes.
Matrix contains calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate
Collagen fibers are predominant
Function: is the framework for the body.
Provides support; the spinal Column, ribs, arm, and leg bones
Provides protection; the skull, spinal column and ribs

24. Osteocytes (Owl Eyes)