Connective Tissue Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which type of connective tissue fibers are known for their strength and ability to resist stretch?

  • Reticular fibers
  • Yellow elastic fibers
  • Blood fibers
  • White collagenous fibers (correct)

Which connective tissue fiber is characterized by being yellow in fresh state and having elastic properties?

  • Reticular fibers
  • White collagenous fibers
  • Yellow elastic fibers (correct)
  • Adipose fibers

What is one of the primary functions of fat cells (adipocytes)?

  • Synthesis of collagen
  • Involved in defense mechanisms
  • Storage of energy (correct)
  • Production of antibodies

What distinguishes reticular fibers from other types of connective tissue fibers?

<p>They form a network through branching and anastomosing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which staining method is used to visualize yellow elastic fibers?

<p>Ver-Hoff's stain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cells originate from the activation of B lymphocytes?

<p>Plasma cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are reticular fibers commonly found in the body?

<p>In the stroma of organs like the liver and spleen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of yellow elastic fibers that distinguishes them from white collagenous fibers?

<p>Ability to stretch and return to original shape (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of mast cells in connective tissue?

<p>Secretion of histamine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the cytoplasm of fibroblasts?

<p>Basophilic with a negative Golgi image (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Macrophages are primarily derived from which type of blood cell?

<p>Monocytes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of leukocytes primarily respond during acute infections?

<p>Neutrophils (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is found in the matrix of connective tissue?

<p>Glycoproteins (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if there is an increase in the fluid component of connective tissue?

<p>Oedema (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are considered the mother cells of all types of connective tissue?

<p>Undifferentiated mesenchymal cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary function of heparin secreted by mast cells is to:

<p>Act as an anti-coagulant (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Collagenous Fibers

Strong, white fibers made of collagen that resist stretching, often in bundles.

Elastic Fibers

Yellow fibers that allow stretching and returning to original shape, found in places needing flexibility.

Reticular Fibers

Thin, branching fibers forming a network, important for supporting soft organs.

Adipocytes

Fat cells, storing energy and providing insulation.

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Plasma Cells

Immune cells producing antibodies, found in lymphatic organs.

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Connective Tissue Proper

A general category of connective tissue that consists of cells, fibers and intercellular substance.

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Connective Tissue Types

Connective Tissues are classified as soft (proper); rigid (cartilage); hard (bone) and fluid (blood).

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Connective Tissue Function

Connective tissues support tissues, organs and connect them together.

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Mast Cells

Connective tissue cells found in the mucosa of the digestive and respiratory systems.

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Histamine

A protein secreted by mast cells, involved in allergic reactions.

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Heparin

A sulfated glycosaminoglycan secreted by mast cells, preventing blood clotting.

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Fibroblasts

Most common connective tissue cells; synthesize fibers and matrix.

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Macrophages

Large, phagocytic connective tissue cells, important for fighting infection.

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Phagocytosis

The process of engulfing and digesting foreign particles by cells like macrophages.

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Connective Tissue Matrix

The non-cellular part of connective tissue that provides support.

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Loose Connective Tissue

A type of connective tissue with a loose arrangement of cells and fibers, commonly located around blood vessels and organs.

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Study Notes

Connective Tissue

  • Supports and connects tissues/organs
  • Composed of cells, fibers, and intercellular matrix (ground substance)
  • Rich in blood vessels and nerves

Types of Connective Tissue

  • Connective tissue proper (soft)
  • Cartilage (rigid)
  • Bone (hard)
  • Blood (fluid)

Connective Tissue Proper: Fibers

  • Collagenous Fibers (White):

    • Made of collagen
    • White in fresh state
    • Strong, resist stretching
    • Form wavy bundles
    • Individual fibers don't branch, bundles do
    • Digested by pepsin and collagenase
    • Become gelatinous when boiled
    • Types & Sites: Type I (white fibrocartilage, bone), Type II (hyaline and elastic fibrocartilage), Type III (reticular fibers)
    • Staining: Acidophilic (H&E), red (Van Gieson's), blue (Mallory trichrome)
  • Elastic Fibers (Yellow):

    • Elastic in nature
    • Yellow in fresh state
    • Thin, long, highly refractile
    • Branch and form membranes (e.g., aorta)
    • Digested by elastase
    • Not affected by boiling
    • Staining: Acidophilic (H&E), yellow (Van Gieson's), black (Ver-Hoff's)
    • Sites: Arterial walls, trachea, ligaments of the back
  • Reticular Fibers:

    • Very thin
    • Branch and anastomose to form networks
    • Staining: Not stained (H&E), black (silver stain)
    • Sites: Stroma of organs (liver, spleen, lymph nodes)

Connective Tissue Proper: Cells

  • Rounded/Oval Cells:
    • Fat cells (adipocytes)
    • Plasma cells
    • Mast cells
    • Blood leukocytes
  • Branched Cells:
    • Fibroblasts
    • Macrophages
    • Pigment cells
    • Undifferentiated mesenchymal cells (UMCs)

Connective Tissue Proper: Adipocytes

  • Origin: UMCs
  • Site: Adipose and loose connective tissue
  • Shape: Oval
  • Nucleus: Flattened, peripheral
  • Cytoplasm: Large fat globule, pushes nucleus
  • Staining: Signet ring (H&E), orange (Sudan III), black (Sudan black, osmic acid)
  • Functions: Energy storage, heat insulation

Connective Tissue Proper: Plasma Cells

  • Origin: Activation of B lymphocytes by antigens
  • Site: Lymphatic organs
  • Shape: Oval
  • Nucleus: Rounded, eccentric, "cart-wheel" chromatin
  • Cytoplasm: Deep basophilic, negative Golgi image
  • Function: Antibody secretion (humoral immunity)

Connective Tissue Proper: Mast Cells

  • Site: Mucosa of the GI tract and respiratory system
  • Shape: Oval
  • Nucleus: Rounded, central
  • Cytoplasm: Large basophilic granules
    • Histamine
    • Heparin (sulfated glycosaminoglycans)
  • Staining: Toluidine blue (metachromatic purple)
  • Functions: Histamine secretion (allergy), heparin secretion (anticoagulant)

Connective Tissue Proper: Blood Leukocytes

  • Can leave blood and appear in connective tissue under certain conditions
  • Examples: Eosinophils (allergy), neutrophils (acute infections), monocytes/lymphocytes (chronic infections)

Connective Tissue Proper: Fibroblasts

  • Origin: Pericytes (from UMCs)
  • Most common CT cell
  • Abundant in loose CT
  • Shape: Branched, spindle-shaped
  • Nucleus: Oval, eccentric
  • Cytoplasm: Basophilic, negative Golgi image
  • Functions: Synthesize CT fibers, matrix, growth/wound healing

Connective Tissue Proper: Macrophages

  • Origin: Blood monocytes
  • Shape: Large, branched (pseudopodia)
  • Nucleus: Eccentric, oval/kidney-shaped
  • Cytoplasm: Not clear
  • Staining: Trypan blue (vital stain)
  • Functions: Phagocytosis, foreign body giant cell formation, collagenase/elastase secretion

Connective Tissue Proper: Pigment Cells

  • Melanin-containing cells in skin and eyes

Connective Tissue Proper: Undifferentiated Mesenchymal Cells (UMCs)

  • Mother cells of all CT cells
  • Shape: Branched
  • Nucleus: Large, oval
  • Cytoplasm: Basophilic

Connective Tissue Proper: Matrix

  • Soft material in which cells and fibers lie
  • Components:
    • Organic (Amorphous): Proteins, glycoproteins, proteoglycans (GAGs) - secreted by fibroblasts

    • Fluid (Inorganic): Primarily water (60-70%)

    • Fluid component:

      • Increased fluid leads to edema
      • Decreased fluid leads to dehydration

Connective Tissue Proper: Types (Loose CT)

  • Widely distributed (around blood vessels, submucosa of GI tract). - Structure details omitted.

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