1. Connective Tissues
Page

2. Functions
Protection
Support
Binding together other body tissues

3. Characteristics
Most connective tissues are vascularized (have good blood supply)
Ligaments and tendons are exceptions
Contains extracellular matrix
nonliving substance found outside the cells
produced by the connective tissue

4. Types of Connective Tissue
Bone = Osseous
Cartilage
Dense connective
Loose connective
Areolar
Adipose
Reticular
Blood

5. Bone / Osseous Cells are in cavities (lacunae)
Matrix – hard; contains calcium salts and collagen fibers
Protects and supports

6. Bone / Osseous

7. Cartilage
Matrix is more flexible made of collagen fiber hidden by a rubbery matrix with a glassy white appearance.
Found in the larynx; covers ends of bones; attaches ribs to breastbone; skeleton of fetus

8. Cartilage

9. Dense Connective
Main matrix are collagen fibers. More stretchy than cartilage matrix.
Makes of tendons and ligaments.

10. Dense Connective

11. Loose Connective – Areolar Tissue
Most widely distributed
Cushions organs
Has fluid matrix – appears to be empty space
“cobwebby” tissue

12. Loose Connective – Areolar Tissue

13. Loose Connective – Adipose Tissue
Fat tissue
Matrix – droblet of oil in cell
Cushions organs such as kidneys and eyes; found under the skin

14. Loose Connective – Adipose Tissue

15. Loose Connective – Reticular Tissue
Matrix – delicate network of interwoven reticular fibers
Support free blood cells in lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow

16. Loose Connective – Reticular Tissue

17. Blood Vascular tissue Matrix – blood plasma
Transports wastes, respiratory gases, nutrients and other substances.

18. Blood