Kimberly Knox Christopher Lopez Period 4 Connective Tissue Kimberly Knox Christopher Lopez Period 4

Introduction to Connective Tissue Connective tissue: (n); tissue that connects, supports, binds or separates other tissues or organs, typically having relatively few cells embedded in an amorphous matrix, often with collagen, fatty, and elastic tissues. Connective Tissue is on of the four basic types of tissue Its function is to support the structure of the other tissues and to provide communications between the other tissue types

What’s it made of? Connective tissue is comprised of cells scattered through the extracellular matrix Extracellular Matrix- (ECM); collection of extracellular molecules providing structure and biochemical support to the cells surrounding it

Most common types of Connective Tissue Fibroblasts- secretes collagen as well as other elements that make up the extracellular matrix Adipocytes- storing fat Macrophages, mast cells, and lymphocytes- immune function that take part in inflammation Macrophages- immune system; large, specialized cells that recognize and destroy target cells Mast cells- found collectively in connective tissue; releases histamine and other immune substances in response to allergic and inflammatory situations Lymphocytes- form of small leukocyte with a single round nucleus, occurring especially in the lymphatic system

Where can you find Connective tissue? Connective tissue is practically found everywhere in and on the body from the skin to even your corneas and trachea *Most other tissues rely upon the connective tissues and can be found on connective tissue (epithelial surfaces), inside (glandular epithelium) or embedded in the connective tissue (nerves, blood vessels, and muscles)*

Diseases that effect Connective tissue Connective Tissue Disease- group of disorders that involves the protein-rich tissue that supports organs and other parts of the body There are over 200 disorders that affect connective tissue HDCTs- Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue -Many HDCTs are rare Ehlers- Danlos Syndrome (EDS)- group of more than ten disorders; over- flexible joints, stretchy skin, and abnormal growth of scar tissue -Other symptoms: curved spine; weak blood vessels; bleeding gums; lung, heart valve and digestive problems

Diseases that effect Connective tissue (cont.) Epidermolysis bullosa (EB)- skin so fragile that it is easily torn or blistered Osteogenesis imperfecta- brittle bones, low muscle mass, and lax joints and ligaments -Other symptoms: blue or gray tint to the whites of the eyes, thin skin, curved spine, breathing problems, hearing loss, and teeth that break easily

Terms Amorphous- without a clearly defined shape or form Amorphous Matrix- ground substance; also called extrafibrillar matrix; gel-like amorphous substance surrounding the cells and supported by the extracellular matrix Collagen- the main structural protein found in animal connective tissue, yielding gelatin when boiled Extracellular- occurring or being (situated) outside the cell or cells Ex: Extracellular fluid is fluid found outside the cell in contrast to intracellular fluid which is fluid inside the cell

Terms (cont.) Histamine- organic, nitrogenous compound directly involved in immune responses to regulate physiological function Lymphocyte- form of small leukocyte (white blood cell) with a single round nucleus, occurring especially in the lymphatic system