1. Chapter 4.2 Human Anatomy & Physiology
Connective Tissue
Chapter 4.2
Human Anatomy & Physiology

2. Connective Tissue Function: - Binds structures together
- Provides support & protection
- Fills spaces
- Produces blood cells
- Stores fat
For energy, insulation, organ protection

3. Structure:
- Tissue cells are widely separated by extracellular matrix
- Can be solid, semisolid, or liquid
Matrix of connective tissue determine its properties

4. Fibers of the Matrix
White fibers – contain collagen which gives the fibers flexibility and strength
Yellow fibers – contain elastin more elastic than collagen but not as strong
Reticular fibers – thin, highly branched collagenous fibers that provide support

6. 1. Fibrous Connective Tissue
Loose (areolar) connective tissue
adipose
Dense connective tissue
Regular
irregular
Reticular connective tissue

7. A. Loose (areolar) Connective Tissue
Lies between other tissues or between organs binding them
Cells made of fibroblasts – large, star-shaped cells
Contains many white fibers (strong and flexible) and yellow fibers (very elastic)

9. Adipose tissue is a type of loose connective tissue
- stores fats, provides insulation
- found beneath skin, around kidney & heart, breast

11. B. Dense Connective Tissue
Regular
Consists of parallel bundles of collagenous fibers
Found in tendons & ligaments
Binds organs together
Irregular
Bundles run in different direction
Found in inner portion of skin

12. Dense Irregular
Dense Regular

13. C. Reticular Connective
Has reticular cells and reticular fibers
Also called lymphatic tissue
Found in lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and red bone marrow
Store and produce white blood cells
Part of immune system

15. 2. Cartilage
The cell (chondrocytes) lies in small chambers called lacunae
Matrix is solid yet flexible
Lacks direct blood supply, as a result, it heals slowly

16. 3 types
- Hyaline cartilage
- Elastic cartilage
- Fibrocartilage

17. A. Hyaline Cartilage Most common
Matrix contains fine collagenous fibers
Glassy, white, opaque
Found in the nose, ends of the long bones and ribs, rings in the trachea

19. B. Elastic Cartilage Contains elastic and collagenous fibers
Found in the outer ear

21. C. Fibrocartilage Matrix contains strong collagenous fibers
Function: absorbs shocks and reduces friction between joints
Found in the pads between the vertebrae and knee joints

23. 3. Bones Most rigid of the connective tissues
Minerals and protein fibers gives bone rigidity, elasticity and strength
Two types:
Compact bone
Spongy bone

24. A. Compact Bone Found in the outer portion of long bones
Consists of many cylindrical-shaped units called osteon

27. B. Spongy Bone Found on ends of long bone
Contains bony bars and plates called trabeculae separated by irregular spaces
Blood cells are made within the red marrow found in the spongy bone

29. 4. Blood
Connective tissue composed of cells suspended in liquid matrix called plasma
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) – carries oxygen
White blood cells (leukocytes) – fights infection
Platelets – fragment of giant cells found in bone marrow