1. Connective Tissue Structure
Connective tissue cells are farther apart than epithelial cell, with the space between cells filled with intercellular material called a matrix.
Matrix consists of fibers and a ground substance that varies from fluid (blood plasma) to solid (bone).
Function
Connective tissue binds structures together, much like fasteners.
Provide support by serving as a framework for attachment.

2. Fibroblast proteins stained with fluorescent dyes
Connective Tissue
Fibroblasts
Fibroblasts are the most common type of cell in connective tissue.
These star-shaped cells produce fibers by secreting proteins into the matrix of connective tissues.
Connective Tissue Fibers
Collagenous fibers
These fibers are thick threads of the protein collagen. These fibers are grouped in long parallel bundles. These fibers have great tensile strength , giving them the ability to resist a pulling force.
These fibers are important components in ligaments and tendons.
Fibroblast proteins stained with fluorescent dyes

3. Vocal cords in the larynx contain many elastic fibers
Connective Tissue
Connective Tissue Fibers
Elastic fibers
These fibers are composed of a protein called elastin.
Elastin forms thin branching fibers, resulting in complex networks.
Elastic fibers are weaker than collagenous fibers, but they stretch easily, then regain their original shape, much like a rubber band.
Elastic fibers are found in parts of the body which stretch, such as vocal cords.
Vocal cords in the larynx contain many elastic fibers

4. Loose Connective Tissue
Structure
Cells are mainly fibroblasts, and are widely separated by matrix containing collagenous and elastic fibers secreted by the fibroblasts.
Loose connective tissue forms thin membranes.
Function and Location
Binds skin to underlying tissue.
Fills spaces between muscles.
Lies beneath most layers of epithelium where blood vessels are located.
Skin
Stratified squamous
Loose connective tissue

5. Dense Connective Tissue
Many closely packed collagenous fibers with few cells (mostly fibroblasts).
Few blood vessels, making repair slow.
Function and location
Very strong, can withstand pulling forces.
Binds body parts together
Ligaments (holds bone to joints).
Tendon (holds muscle to bone).
Tendon
Low magnification
3. Protects eye

6. Adipose Tissue Structure
Fat is a specialized form of connective tissue formed in cells which store fat in their cytoplasm.
Function
Provides a cushion around joints and some organs.
It serves as insulation.
Fat is the major site of energy storage.
Location
Beneath skin and loose connective tissue
Around heart and kidney
In abdominal membranes

7. Hyaline Cartilage Structure
Hyaline cartilage is the most common form of cartilage.
The chondrocytes are found in small chambers (lacunae) surrounded completely by matrix.
The matrix is composed of very fine collagen fibers, giving it an almost glass-like surface.
Function and Location
Found at the ends of bone where it plays an important role in bone growth.
Forms protective rings around air passages
3. Hyaline cartilage is also found in joint and the nose.

8. Elastic Cartilage Structure
Elastic cartilage consists of chondrocytes surrounded by a matrix consisting of a dense network of elastic fibers.
Function and location
Due to the elastic fibers, this connective tissue is flexible and provides a framework for:
External ears
Parts of the larynx (voice box)
Elastic cartilage in the ear (right) can be distinguished by the stain for elastin that brings out the dense bundles

9. Fibrocartilage Structure
Fibrocartilage is very tough and contains bundles of thick clearly defined collagen fibers
Function and Location
Fibrocartilage acts as a shock absorber for structures subjected to pressure, such as the intervertebral discs (pads) found between the bones of the vertebrae.
Fibrocartilage also cushions bones in the knees.

10. Bone Structure 1. Bone is rigid due to the deposits of calcium salts.
2. The bone matrix also contains a large amount of collage, which gives bone some flexibility.
3. Bone matrix is deposited in thin layers called lamellae. These form concentric circles around tubes called osteonic canals.
4. Bone cells (osteocytes) are located in lacunae (small chambers) which are evenly spaced between lamellae.
5. Each osteonic canal contains a blood vessel, so bone cells are close to nutrient supply, resulting in rapid repair of injury.

11. Blood
Structure
Blood is composed of formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) suspended in a fluid matrix (blood plasma).
Most blood is formed in red marrow of long bones.
Function
Blood transports substances and helps maintain a stable internal environment.
Red blood cells carry oxygen and carbon dioxide.
White blood cells fight infections
Platelets are responsible for blood clotting.
Blood cells