Connective Tissue Overview and Components

White blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune system. They are responsible for recognizing and destroying foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.

Specialized B lymphocytes that produce and secrete antibodies, proteins that bind to and neutralize specific pathogens.

The most common type of protein fiber in connective tissue, providing strength and support. They are also important for tissue repair.

Fine, branching collagen fibers that provide support to delicate tissues like the spleen and lymph nodes.

Fibers that allow tissues to stretch and return to their original shape. They are found in organs like the lungs and skin.

A strong, tough cartilage type with dense collagen bundles and scattered chondrocytes. It lacks a perichondrium and is found in structures like intervertebral discs, menisci, and the pubic symphysis.

A flexible cartilage type with chondrocytes embedded in a thread-like network containing mostly elastic fibers. It provides support and flexibility in structures like the nose, ear, and epiglottis.

Cartilage growth occurs from the outer layer (perichondrium), adding new cartilage layers.

Cartilage growth occurs from within, as chondrocytes divide and secrete new matrix.

Bone performs multiple functions: support, protection, movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production.

Connective tissue fluid allows for easy movement of nutrients and waste products (metabolites) throughout the tissue.

The ground substance of connective tissue can vary in consistency, ranging from solid (like bone) to semisolid (like cartilage) to liquid (like blood).

Connective tissue types with unique structures and functions, such as blood, bone, and cartilage.

Mesenchyme is the precursor to all connective tissues, consisting of fibroblasts and abundant extracellular matrix. It forms during the 3rd and 4th weeks of development.

The innermost layer of embryonic tissue. It forms the lining of the digestive tract and its derivatives.

The middle layer of embryonic tissue. It gives rise to muscle, bone, blood vessels, connective tissues, and other structures.

The outermost layer of embryonic tissue. It develops into skin and the nervous system.

The diverse forms of connective tissue found in adults, such as loose connective tissue, dense connective tissue, cartilage, bone, and blood.

The specific ground substance of bone, strengthened by the deposition of calcium ions (Ca2+).

Collagen fibers, specifically types I and V, form the majority of the matrix.

Densely packed bone tissue with few gaps, forming the hard outer layer of bones.

Loosely packed bone tissue with many gaps, making up the majority of the interior of most bones.

Bone formation that occurs directly within a vascularized membrane, primarily in areas like the skull and face.

Bone formation that starts with a cartilage template and later differentiates into osteoblasts, common for long bones.

A specialized connective tissue with no fibers, a highly fluid ground substance, and mobile cells.

Blood consists of cells (RBC, WBC, platelets) and ground substance (plasma), which is primarily water and proteins.

Provides structural support, transports substances, defends the body, stores energy, connects tissues, supports movement, stores substances, cushions and insulates, protects delicate organs.

Connective tissues are made up of cells embedded in an extracellular matrix. The matrix consists of fibers and ground substance (a combination of fluid and chemical substances).

The most common cell type in connective tissue, responsible for synthesizing and excreting fibers that form the extracellular matrix.

A type of cell that ingests foreign matter and bacteria, playing an important role in the immune system.

Fat cells that store lipids (fats) in loose connective tissue.

Large secretory cells that release chemical signals (mediators) to trigger physiological defense responses, such as inflammation.

Fixed cells like fibroblasts, macrophages, and adipocytes remain in connective tissue, while wandering cells like lymphocytes and blood cells move through the tissue.

A type of connective tissue characterized by thick bundles of fibers filling most of the extracellular space. It's strong and resists stretching.

This type of dense connective tissue has fibers arranged in parallel, giving it strength in one direction. Found in tendons and ligaments.

This type of dense connective tissue has fibers arranged in a mesh-like pattern, giving it strength in multiple directions. Found in the dermis of the skin.

A flexible connective tissue that's not as hard as bone but is strong and bends. Found in joints, rib cage, ears, nose, and more.

Specialized cells found in cartilage, responsible for producing the extracellular matrix.

The substance surrounding chondrocytes in cartilage, composed of collagen/elastic fibers and rich in proteoglycans. Provides support and flexibility.

Cartilage comes in three main types: hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage, each with different properties.

The most common type of cartilage. It's smooth, glassy, and found in joints, rib cage, nose, etc. Allows for smooth movement.