Connective Tissue Cells

Connective Tissue Cells

• Plasma cells: originate from B-lymphocytes, produce antibodies, and defend the body against infection
• Mast cells: oval shape, basophilic granular cytoplasm, central rounded nucleus, secrete heparin (anticoagulant) and histamine (allergic)
• Pigment cells (melanophores): connective tissue macrophages, carry melanin pigment
• Leucocytes: blood leucocytes that migrate to connective tissue, increase in cases of infection to phagocytose microorganisms
• Free macrophages: arise from blood monocytes, irregular surface, phagocytic cells, share in immune defense of the body

Connective Tissue Types

• Embryonic connective tissue:

  • Mucous connective tissue
  • Mesenchymal connective tissue

• Connective tissue proper:

  • Loose areolar connective tissue
  • Adipose connective tissue
  • White collagenous connective tissue
  • Yellow elastic connective tissue
  • Reticular connective tissue

Mucous Connective Tissue

• Formed of CT cells, mesenchymal cells, fine collagen fibers, and mucoid matrix
• Sites: umbilical cord, vitreous humor of the eyeball, pulp of growing teeth
• Function: support the organs

Loose Areolar Connective Tissue

• Formed of all types of CT fibers, cells, and loose matrix
• Sites: around organs and blood vessels, subcutaneous connective tissue, submucosa and serous membranes
• Function: binds tissues together, surrounds organs

Adipose Connective Tissue

• Similar to loose areolar CT, but rich in fat cells
• Types:
  • Unilocular adipose CT (White fat): fat cells with one large globule of fat, signet ring appearance
  • Multilocular adipose CT (Brown fat): fat cells with multiple small globules of fat, provides heat for newborn babies

White Collagenous Connective Tissue

• Formed mainly of white collagen fibers and fibroblast cells
• Types:
  • Regular type: regularly arranged collagen fibers, sites: tendon of muscles, ligaments, cornea of the eye
  • Irregular type: irregularly arranged collagen bundles, sites: deep fascia, dermis of the skin, perichondrium of cartilage

Yellow Elastic Connective Tissue

• Elastic and stretchable, yellow in fresh state, stained with orcein stain
• Formed of yellow elastic fibers, fibroblast cells, and little matrix
• Sites: ligamenta flava, true vocal cord, wall of blood vessels

This quiz covers the different types of cells found in connective tissue, including plasma cells, mast cells, pigment cells, and leucocytes. Learn about their functions and characteristics.