1. Connective Tissue
The dense layer of the basal lamina of all epithelial tissue is created by connective tissue.
Connective tissue connects the epithelium to the rest of the body.

2. Three Basic Components
Specialized cells
Fibroblasts
Adipocytes
Extracellular protein fibers
Collagen fibers
Reticular fibers
Elastic fibers
A fluid known as ground substance
CT vary widely in appearance and function, but they all share three basic components. Extracellular fibers and ground substance together make up the matrix which surrounds cells. Cells make up most of epithelial cells, matrix makes most of volume in CT. Fibroblasts secrete a polysaccharide derivative responsible for making ground substance viscous and protein subunits that make the assemble to form extracellular fibers. Adipose=fat cells, each cell contains enourmous lipid droplet

3. Functions of Connective Tissue
Establishing a structural framework for the body.
Transporting fluids and dissolved minerals.
Protecting delicate organs.
Supporting, surrounding, interconnecting other types of tissue.
Storing energy reserves
Defending the body from invading microorganisms.

4. Classification of Connective Tissues
Classified based on their physical properties. Three categories:
Connective Tissue Proper
Ex. Adipose tissue
Fluid Connective Tissue
Ex. Blood and Lymph
Supportive Connective Tissue
Ex. Cartilage and bone

5. Connective Tissues Connective Tissue Proper Fluid Connective Tissues
Supporting Connective Tissues
LOOSE
DENSE
Fibers create loose, open framework. “Packing materials”
Adipose
Areolar
Reticular
Fibers densely packed
Dense regular
Dense Irregular
Elastic
BLOOD
LYMPH
Contained in cardiovascular system
Contained in lymphatic system
Loose= fills spaces between organs, cushion and stabilize specialized cells, and support epithelia. Surround and support blood vessels and nerves, store lipids, and provide a route for diffusion of material.
CARTILAGE
BONE
Solid, rubbery matrix
Hyaline
Elastic
Fibrocartilage
Solid, crystalline matrix

6. Mesenchyme Tissue
Function: Give rise to all other connective tissues of an embryo and all various cell types of adult connective tissue.
Found in abundance during early development of most animals.
Embryonic connective tissue, first tissue to appear, star shaped mesenchymal cells, Adults don’t have embryonic connective tissue however, contain mesenchymal stem cells that can assist in tissue repair.

7. Loose Connective Tissue
Adipose Tissue
Location: Deep to the skin, especially at sides, buttocks, padding around eyes and kidneys
Function: Provides padding, insulates, stores energy
Areolar Tissue
Location: Under skin, in or around mucous membranes, around blood vessels and nerves
Functions: provides padding, binds the outer layer to the muscles beneath.
Adipose- nucleus, plasma membrane, fat vacuole, and reticular fibers

8. Dense Regular Connective Tissue
Ex. Tendons and Ligaments
Locations: Between skeletal muscles and skeleton; between bones or internal organs
Functions: Provides firm attachment, conducts pull of muscles, reduces friction
Fibroblast cells

9. Elastic Tissue
Location: Between vertebrae of the spinal column; in blood vessel walls
Functions: Stabilizes positions of vertebrae; cushions shocks
Dominated by elastic fibers. Stabilizes the positions of the vertebrae of spinal column

11. Cartilage
The matrix of cartilage is a firm gel that contains polysaccharide derivatives
Chondrocytes- Cartilage cells, the only cells in the cartilage matrix
Lacunae- Small chambers that cartilage cells occupy
Cell islands=lacunae

12. Hyaline Cartilage
Locations: Between tips of ribs and bones of sternum; supporting larynx, trachea, and bronchi
Functions: Provides stiff but flexible support, reduces friction between bony surfaces
Most common type of cartilage, Fibers are not in large bundles and do not stain darkly.

13. Elastic Cartilage Locations: In the ear and in the trachea
Functions: Provides support, but tolerates distortion without damage and returns to original shape

14. Fibrous Cartilage
Locations: Pads within knee joint; between pubic bones of pelvis; intervertebral discs
Functions: Resists compression; prevents bone-to-bone contact; limits relative movement
Little ground substance, matrix is dominated by densely interwoven collagen fibers, extremely durable and tough.