Connective Tissues

Connective Tissue Makes up part of every organ in the body Unique tissue because it has a extracellular matrix which separates the cells in this tissue.

Functions Encloses and Separates: form capsules around organs, forms layers that separate tissues and organs. Connecting tissues to one another: tendons = attach muscle to bones, ligaments = hold bones to bones. Supporting and moving: bones, semiridged cartilage supports nose, ears and surfaces of joints. Storing: adipose tissue stores high-energy molecules and bones store minerals

Functions Cushioning and insulating: Adipose tissues cushions and protects surrounding tissues, insulates layer beneath skin (conserves heat). Transporting: blood transports substances throughout the body Protecting: immune cells and blood provide protection against toxins and tissue injury.

Extracellular Matrix This matrix gives connective tissue types the ability to do their job. For example: the extracellular matrix allows bones and cartilage to bear weight. Provides support and anchorage for cells.

Components of Extracellular Matrix 3 major components Protein Fibers Ground substance Fluid Protein Fibers in Matrix: Collagen fibers: proteins. Looks like a microscopic rope. Reticular fibers: very fine collagen fibers, short and thin Elastic fibers: contain the protein, elastin. Elastin looks like tiny coiled springs.

Cells involved in Maintaining Connective Tissues Suffixes for cells involved in making, maintaining and destroying the extracellular matrix: Blasts = create matrix Cytes = maintain the matrix Clasts = breaks down matrix for remodeling Prefixes = name of tissue Example: chondrocytes = chondro- is cartilage and -cyte is to maintain the matrix. Chondrocytes maintain cartilage.

Types of Connective Tissue

Mesenchyme Location: Embryonic Tissue Structure: Irregularly shaped Function: Form connective tissues as well as muscle, & blood vessels.

Mucous Location: Umbilical cords of newborns Structure: Mesenchymal tissue Irregularly shaped Function: Connects fetus to mother

Loose or Areolar Location: Under epithelial tissue. Packing material between muscles, nerves and glands. Structure: Cells within a network of collagen fibers. Function: Packing, support and provide nutrients.

Dense Regular Collagenous Location: Tendons and Ligaments Structure: Collagen fibers running in mostly the same direction. Function: Withstands pulling, has great strength and stretch resistance.

Dense Regular Elastic Tissue Location: Ligaments between vertebrae & vocal cords Structure: Collagen and elastin fibers run in same direction Function: Like rubber bands – stretches and recoils in the direction of fibers.

Dense Irregular Collagenous Location: Dermis of the skin. Surrounds organs. Structure: Collagen fibers run in all directions Function: Stretching skin, can handle stretching in all directions

Bone

Bone

Cartilage: Hyaline

Cartilage: Hyaline

Cartilage: Fibrocartilage

Adipose Tissue

Reticular Connective Tissue

Blood