Connective Tissue Cells Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What initiates the transformation of a fibroblast into a fibrocyte?

Increased activity of the fibroblast

Migration of fibroblasts towards macrophages

Decreased activity and maturation of the fibroblast (correct)

Injury to the connective tissue

Which component is NOT formed by fibroblasts?

Lysosomal enzymes (correct)

Elastin

Reticulin

Collagen

Which characteristic is unique to macrophages compared to fibroblasts?

Vesicular nucleus

Presence of pseudopodia (correct)

Basophilic cytoplasm

Pale nucleus

What is the primary function of myofibroblasts during wound healing?

Contract to aid in wound closure Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immunity do fixed macrophages primarily support?

Innate immunity Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of the nucleus of fixed macrophages?

Indented or kidney-shaped Signup and view all the answers

How do adipocytes primarily differ from fibroblasts in structure?

Accumulation of fat droplets in cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the function of fibroblasts is true?

Their number increases during tissue damage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of unilocular adipocytes?

Support for organs Signup and view all the answers

In which specific anatomical locations are multilocular adipocytes predominantly found?

Neck and shoulders Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature of multilocular adipocytes contributes to their function in heat production?

High number of mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes unilocular fat cells in histological sections?

Appearance as oval empty spaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the major role of pericytes in adult connective tissue?

Differentiating into various connective tissue cell types Signup and view all the answers

What does the mesenchymal cell differentiate into during embryonic tissue development?

Various connective tissue cells Signup and view all the answers

What morphological feature is characteristic of unilocular adipocytes?

Large oval shape with a flat peripheral nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of endothelial cells in blood vessels?

Lining the inner surface of blood vessels Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Connective Tissue Cells

Fibroblasts and Fibrocytes:
- Fibroblasts develop from pericytes and mesenchymal cells.
- As fibroblasts mature, they become less active, transforming into fibrocytes.
- Fibroblasts create connective tissue fibers and the matrix.
- Abundant in areolar connective tissue.
- Fibroblasts can change into contractile myofibroblasts, which contain contractile filaments. These cells help close wounds during healing. 
Fixed Macrophages (Histocytes):
- Originate from blood monocytes that migrate to connective tissue.
- Motile cells with multiple processes (pseudopodia).
- Cytoplasm is basophilic.
- Rich in lysosomes and phagocytosed materials.
- Nucleus is indented, kidney-shaped, and darkly stained (hetero-chromatin rich).
- Differentiate them from fibroblasts because of their lightly stained nuclei
- Can be stained with vital stains like trypan blue or black Indian ink.
Adipose Cell (Adipocyte):
- Derived from mesenchymal cells, fat accumulates in the cytoplasm.
- Two types:
  - Unilocular (Fat) Cells: Large, oval cells with flattened peripheral nuclei. Contain a large fat globule. The cells are surrounded by a small amount of cytoplasm.
  - Multilocular (Brown) Adipocytes: Found in newborns, highly vascular, contain multiple fat droplets, abundant mitochondria, and are involved in heat production. Located in the neck, shoulders, back, axilla, and para-aortic regions.
Mesenchymal Cells (UMCs):
- Embryonic, branched cells with large, oval nuclei and basophilic cytoplasm.
- Can differentiate into various connective tissue cell types.
Pericytes:
- Pale, branched cells with long cytoplasmic processes.
- Surround the endothelial lining of blood capillaries and small venules.
- Considered mesenchymal cells.
- Can differentiate into fibroblasts.

Other Connective Tissue Cell Types

Endothelial Cells:
- Line the inner surface of blood vessels.
- Synthesize type IV collagen.
- Can divide to form new capillaries in response to tissue damage.
- Produce basal lamina.
Reticular Cells:
- Modified fibroblasts found in reticular connective tissue.
- Secrete reticular fibers.
- Branched with a small, oval nucleus, and many processes.
- Form a network of reticular connective tissue.
- Form the stroma of glands, organs, and bone marrow.
- Remove cellular debris from lymphatic organs.

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Description

Test your knowledge on connective tissue cells, including fibroblasts, macrophages, and adipocytes. This quiz covers their origins, functions, and characteristics, essential for understanding tissue biology. Perfect for students studying histology or anatomy.