Connective Tissue

Communal Features-

• cells-end in suffixes that have different meanings; -cyte (mature) or -blast (precursor to mature cell.
• matrix-the stuff that's between the cells, composed of water and protein.
• protein fibers-three (3) types:

              (1) Reticular- fills space, holds things together.

              (2) Elastic- stretches

              (3) Collagen-tough

Fetal Precursor: mesenchyme, which differentiates into various types of cells.

Location: Connective tissue is found throughout the body. It is the most abundant and widely distributed of the primary tissues.

• Connective tissue proper
• Cartilage
• Bone
• Blood

Functions of Connective Tissues:

• Binding and support
• Protection
• Insulation
• Transportation

Structural Elements of Connective Tissue

1. Ground substance-unstructured material that fills the spaces between cells.
2. Fibers-collagen, elastic, or reticular.
3. Cells-fibroblasts, chrondroblasts, osteoblasts, hematopoetic stem cells.

Connective Tissue Subgroups

Connective Tissue Type	Photo	Schematic
Areolar Contains all three types of fibers. Loose connective tissue Location: subcutaneous layer deep to skin, superficial part of the dermis, around blood vessels, nerves, and body organs. Function-strength, elasticity, support.
Adipose (fat) Reticular fibers Bubbly appearance Location: subcutaneous layer deep to skin, around heart and kidneys, yellow bone marrow, padding around joints and behind the eyeball. Function: reduces heat loss, energy reserve, support, and protection.
Dense Very fibrous-has collagen and reticular fibers. High tensile strength. i.e. ligaments, tendons
Hyaline Cartilage Has chondorcytes, matrix, and lacunae. Resists compression and is supportive. Location: Costal (rib) cartilage and rings of the trachea.
Fibrocartilage Has chondrocytes, matrix, and lacunae. Resists compression. Location: intervertebral disks, knee joint.
Elastic Cartilage Has chondrocytes, matrix, lacunae, and elastin. Location: pinna (outer ear) and epiglottis.
Osseous (Bone) Has the following structures: Lamellae- Haversian Canals- Canaliculi- Osteocytes- Lacunae-      2. Function: support, make red blood cells, store fat.
Vascular (Blood) Made of formed elements and plasma (matrix). Formed elements. erythrocytes (red blood cells)- carry oxygen, have no nuclei. leukocytes-defense thrombocytes-platelets

* Note-all of the tissue photos and schematics on this page come from Delta College Biology Professor, Mark Robertson's histology website. http://www.delta.edu/mgrobert/Histology.html