Term | Definition |
Function | To serve as connective and supportive. Bind and hold body structures together. Serve in transport, exchange and body defense. |
Blood Supply | Bones: well vascularized
Tendons and Ligaments: Poor supply
Cartilage: Avascular; No blood supply |
Extra Cellular Matrix | A non-living substance produced by connective tissue.
Two Main Parts: 1. Protein Fibers ( produced by fibroblasts which secrete a protein that creates the extra cellular fiber.)
2. Ground substance(Adhesion proteins- holds fibers to fibers. |
Blast | Building Cells |
EC Matrix (cont) | Around/ Outside of the Cell. The type of connective tissue is dependent upon the makeup for the extracellular matrix found in it |
Bone | Strongest tissue, very dry, many fibers, not a lot of water. Contains Haversian Systems(consists of a central canal where blood vessels and nerves can pass). |
Osteocytes | Bone Cells that sit in a cavity called a lacunae: surrounded by layers of hard matrix. |
Cartilage | Composed of Chondrocytes(only take up 2-5% of tissue mass). Nerves not located in cartilage. Cartilage is avascular. |
Hyaline Cartilage | Most abundant cartilage. Many collagen fibers, but rubbery. Hyaline= glassy(blue-whit appearance). Found in Larynx, attaches ribs to sternum, forms joints. Found in fetus skeleton |
Fibro Cartilage | Forms cushioning disks between vertebrae, found in certain bone joints on hips. |
Elastic Cartilage | Needed where elasticity is desired-earlobe, end of nose. |
Cartilage- Dense Connective | Has collagen fibers as main matrix element. Forms Tendons and Ligaments. |
Loose connective- Areolar | Nook and cranny filler, found everywhere. Space Filler |
Loose Connective-Adipose | Tissue in which fat cells predominate. Cells and tissue store oil- source of fuel. Protects organs. Found in breasts, hips and midsections |
Loose Connective- Blood | Consists of blood cells surrounded by a fluid matrix-plasma. Protein fibers only visible when clotting |