-is found everywhere in the body -is the most abundant type of tissue CONNECTIVE TISSUE -is found everywhere in the body -is the most abundant type of tissue

CONNECTIVE TISSUE Common Characteristics- 1. most are well vascularized (have a good blood supply) exceptions are tendons and ligaments 2. functions include protecting, supporting, and binding together other tissues 3. contain EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX

CONNECTIVE TISSUE Extracellular Matrix- secreted by the cell-the more matrix the stronger the tissue- ( can vary from strong bone to clear lens of the eye) CONTAINS 1. Water 2. Various proteins- “glue” 3. Polysaccharides- “rigidity” 4. 3 main Types of fibers

CONNECTIVE TISSUE Collagen Fiber- (white) most abundant type of protein fiber in the matrix. Thick wavelike strands which is flexible but resists stretching. (tendons) Also, the main unit for tissue repair. If you have a scar you notice how little it stretches but how tightly it binds the skin together

FIBROUS TISSUE

CONNECTIVE TISSUE Elastic Fibers- not as strong as collagen and in much thinner fibers. Ability to stretch and return to original shape

CONNECTIVE TISSUE Reticular Fibers- thin branching shape which resists physical stress

Types of Connective Tissue Bone-“osseous tissue” Small cell “OSTEOCYTE” located in a LACUNAE- hollow cavity- surrounded by many layers of calcium salts. Compact bone- densely pact matrix of salts and collagen- nourishment must be provided to osteocytes by way of blood vessels that extend through bone in canals called “HAVERSIAN CANALS”

OSTEOUS TISSUE SLIDES

Types of Connective Tissue Spongy bone – not as densely packed- contain spaces that are filled with blood- called red marrow

BONE TISSUE Matrix is deposited in thin, bony plates called SPICULES around the red marrow

Types of Connective Tissue Cartilage- small cell- “CHONDROCYTE” located in a lacunae produces the matrix. It is less hard and more flexible than bone.

3 Types of CARTILAGE 1. HYALINE CARTILAGE ( bluish-white) PROTECTIONS-forms supporting structures of larynx, attaches ribs, covers the ends of bones- dominated by the protein-sugar molecules of chondroitin sulfate

3 Types of CARTILAGE 2. FIBROCARTILAGE- HIGHLY COMPRESSIBLE- cushion-like discs between vertebrae

3 Types of CARTILAGE 3. ELASTIC CARTILAGE external ear, nose and epiglottis-some chondroitin sulfate

Types of Connective Tissue Dense Connective Tissue- protein fibers are packed tightly together with little space in between for other substances. Collagen fibers are most abundant. 1. Tendons – attach muscle to bones stronger than ligaments 2. Ligaments- attach bones to bones- more elastic than tendons

Dense Connective Tissue-

Types of Connective Tissue Loose Connective Tissue- most widespread of all the tissues. Composed of all three types of fibers which are in a loose disorganized network surrounded by fluid. AREOLAR TISSUE- universal packing tissue- appears cob web like- holds internal organs into position (mesentery)

Types of Connective Tissue ADIPOSE- designed to store fat- intercellular material is minimal- filled with triglycerides

Types of Connective Tissue BLOOD- considered connective tissue because of nonliving fluid matrix called “blood plasma”