what are the Major Functions of Connective Tissue
Binds structures together
Provides structural support
Protects organs
Form frameworks (stroma)
Fills spaces
Stores fat (adipose tissue)
Produces blood cells (bone marrow)
Protect against infection (blood, lymph)
Assist in tissue repair (blood)
what is the most abundant and widely distributed tissue in the body with many different types, appearances, and functions?
connective tissue
what is the structure and function of loose fibrous (areolar) connective tissue
Structure:
Most widely distributed connective tissue
Web like arrangement of collagen and elastic fibers
Embedded in soft, gel like matrix
Contains multiple cell types like fibroblasts, mast cells, etc.
Function:
- binds organs together
- holds tissue in place (fascia/ fibrous glue)
- allows flexibility and cushioning
what is the structure and function and types of adipose tissue
Adipose tissue (fat tissue)
Structure:
- develops from areolar tissue
- cells contain large liquid droplets AKA triglycerides (where numerous vesicles are formed inside the adipose cells and triglycerides accumulate)
- nucleus pushed to side by fat storage
- few extracellular fibers
Function:
- lipid storage
- metabolism regulation, brown fat produces heat
Types:
- white fat → energy storage
- Brown fat → heat production (thermogenesis)
what is the structure, location and function of reticular tissue
Reticular tissue
Structure:
- made of thin collagen fibers called reticular fibers
- forms a 3D network called stroma
Location:
- kidney, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow
Function:
- provides supportive framework for soft organs
- supports blood forming cells
what is dense fibrous connective tissue and its types
Dense Fibrous Connective Tissue
This is mainly composed of thick strong white collagen bundles like a tendon. There are three types.
Dense regular connective tissue
Parallel rows collagen fibers, strong, which makes up tendons, and provides strength in one direction
Dense irregular connective tissue
Collagen fibers arranged randomly (chaotic swirl of tangled bundles), found in dermis/deep skin layer, and provides multidirectional strength
Elastic dense connective tissue
High amount of elastic fibers and found in blood vessels, between vertebrae, and allows stretch and recoil
what are the two supporting connective tissues?
bones and cartilage
describe bone tissues structure and function and its two types
Structure:
- matrix is calcified (hard)
- two types:
1. Compact bone → outer solid portion and organized into osteons (circular structural unit)
2. Cancellous (spongy) bone → inner porous structure
Function:
- support
- protection
- blood cell production
- mineral storage
the spaces within the _____ _____ are filled with blood forming hematopoietic tissue (adipose tissue)
The spaces within the cancellous spongy bone are filled with blood forming hematopoietic tissue (adipose tissue)
describe cartilage structure, its types, and function
Structure:
- gell like matrix
- Cells = chondrocytes (in spaces called lacunae, which are tiny spaces distributed throughout the matrix) and give appearance of swiss cheese
- avascular/slow healing
types:
1. Hyaline cartilage. This has moderate collagen, glass like appearance and is the most common type.
- Nose, trachea, larynx ribs
- Fibrocartilage. This is the strongest type, shock absorber
- Discs in knee joint - Elastic cartilage. This has high elasticity, flexible structure and few collagen fibers but a large number of very fine elastic fibers allowing for a lot of flexibility.
- Supports external ear like the pinna and epiglottis
Function:
- support with flexibility
- shock absorption
- reduces friction at joints
describe fluid connective tissue, its features, what cells they include, and its functions
- Fluid Connective Tissue
Blood
Unique feature
- matrix is liquid (plasma)
- plasma = the fluid portion of ECM
Cells
- red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
Function
- transportation, immune defense and clotting
what is the most unusual form of connective tissue? why?
blood is the most unusual form of connective tissue because its ECM is blood plasma being liquid. the fluid part of ECM in tissue is also called ground substance, and contains extracelular protein fibers.
RBCs, WBCs, and platelets are the cell types common to blood.
what tissue is Specialized for movement, high contractility, and slow healing when injured
muscle tissue is Specialized for movement, high contractility, and slow healing when injured
describe the two striated muscles features and funcitons
STRIATED MUSCLE (voluntary vs involuntary)
Skeletal muscle
Features:
- striated (banded, organized)
- voluntary control
- attached to bones
Functions:
Products voluntary body movements
Cardiac muscle
Features
- striated
- involuntary
- found only in heart
- cells branch and connect
- contains intercalated discs
Functions:
- produces heartbeat
- pumps blood
describe smooth muscles features, location and function
SMOOTH MUSCLE
Features:
- non striated
- involuntary/visceral
- no cross striations
- spindle shaped cells
Location:
- blood vessels
- digestive tract
- respiratory tubes
- other hollow organs
Function:
- move substances through tubes
- Regulates diameter of vessels and airways
- overcontraction in airways can cause asthma because it impairs breathing and results in asthma attacks or labored respiration
describe nervous tissues primary function and cell types
NERVOUS TISSUE
Primary function:
- provide rapid communication between body structures and to control body functions
Cell types:
1. Neurons/Nerve cells
These are the functional cells of the nervous system and are characterized by their cell body, one axon, and one or more dendrites.
2. Glial cells (neuroglia)
These are special connecting and supporting cells to nourish neurons
Nuclei of glia are visible as dark dots surrounding the neuron
