1. The most widespread and varied of all tissues
Connective Tissue
The most widespread and varied of all tissues
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2. Components of connective tissue
The key components of connective tissue, called extracellular matrix, is what allows connective tissues to be so diverse
The matrix consists of varying kinds and amounts of protein fibers and fluid
The fibers found in connective tissue may be one of three types:
Collagenous
Reticular
Elastic
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3. Fibers In tissues:
Collagenous - strong and flexible but resist stretching, most abundant fibers
Reticular – occur in networks and support small structures such as capillaries and nerce fivers
Elastic – make of a protein called elastin, these fibers can stretch and recoil like a rubber band
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4. Fibrous connective tissue
Loose connective tissues are the lost widely distributed of all tissues
Has a stretchable quality
Three specific types:
Areolar
Adipose
Reticular
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5. Areolar Tissue
Consists of collagen and elastin fibers in a soft, gel-like matrix
Lies underneath almost all epithelia
Surrounds blood vessels, nerves, the esophagus, and trachea
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6. Adipose Tissue Dominated by fat cells
Forms supporting, protective pads around the kidneys and various other structures
Acts as a storage depot for excess food
Helps insulate the body to conserve body heat
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7. Reticular tissue
Consists of a loose network of reticular fibers and cells
Forms the framework of the spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow
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8. Dense connective tissue
Consists of closely packed collagen fibers
Form tendons and ligaments
Tendons connect muscle to bone
Ligaments connect bone to bone
Dense connective tissue has few blood vessels, so injuries take long to heal
Forms bands or sheets, called fascia, that bond together organs and muscles
Forms a protective capsule or sheath around the kidneys, spleen, and nerves
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9. Cartilage Composed of cells called chondrocytes
Has a rubbery, flexible matrix
Contains no blood vessels
Receives nutrients and oxygen by diffusion from surrounding connective tissue
When cartilage is damaged it heals very slowly or not at all

10. Cartilage
Hyaline Cartilage – found at the ends of moveable joints at the point where the ribs attach to the breastbone, the larynx and the supportive rings around the trachea, forms much of the fetal skeleton
Elastic Cartilage – provides flexible support to the external ear and epiglottis
Fibrocartilage – forms the discs between the vertebrae and in the knee joint because this cartilage resists compression and absorbs shock

11. Also called osseous tissue, bone is composed of osteocytes embedded in a matrix containing collagen fibers and mineral salt crystals
Bones form the skeleton of the body
Bones offer an attachment point for muscles, making movement possible
The matrix of bone serves as a storage site for calcium
Some bone contains red bone marrow, which produces blood cells
Bone has a rich blood supply allowing it to heal quickly after injury
bone

12. Blood Unique among the connective tissues in that it exists as a fluid
Composed of various types of blood cells surrounded by a liquid matrix called plasma
Blood transports cells and dissolved substances from one part of the body to another