Connective Tissue Quiz

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Questions and Answers

How do connective tissue cells differ from epithelial cells?

Connective tissue cells are closely aggregated.

Epithelial cells have abundant intercellular substance.

Epithelial cells have rich blood vessels.

Connective tissue cells are widely separated. (correct)

What are the main components of connective tissue as mentioned?

Cells and blood vessels

Epithelial layers and fluids

Fibers and matrix (correct)

Muscle fibers and cartilage

What is the primary function of the extracellular matrix in connective tissue?

Muscle contraction

Secretion

Electrical signaling

Nutrition and barrier against bacteria (correct)

Which type of fiber in connective tissue is primarily responsible for tensile strength?

Collagenous fibers Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true of reticular fibers in connective tissue?

Stained dark brown with silver stain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary origin of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells?

Mesoderm Signup and view all the answers

What color do elastic fibers appear when present in high numbers?

Yellow Signup and view all the answers

What is the predominant characteristic of collagenous fibers?

They are the most numerous and strong. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a mature fibroblast from a young fibroblast?

Mature fibroblasts are smaller with a darker nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

Which connective tissue type primarily contains all types of cells including fibroblasts and macrophages?

Loose areolar connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of plasma cells?

Formation of antibodies Signup and view all the answers

Where are elastic connective tissues predominantly found?

In vocal cords and large arteries Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type is characterized by a kidney-shaped nucleus and is involved in phagocytosis?

Macrophage Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of mast cells?

They contain granules that stain red with toluidine blue. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of adipose connective tissue?

It has a flattened peripheral nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of connective tissue has collagenous fibers that are arranged parallel?

Dense regular connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Connective Tissue Overview

Connective tissue differs from epithelium in cell aggregation, intercellular substance, fiber presence, and blood vessels.
Connective tissue consists of cells, fibers, and matrix.

Connective Tissue Components

Matrix (Ground Substance): Primarily water, glycosaminoglycans, and glycoproteins; functions in nutrient transport and barrier function.
Fibers: Collagenous fibers provide tensile strength, reticular fibers provide support, and elastic fibers provide elasticity.

Connective Tissue Cells

Undifferentiated Mesenchymal Cells: Spindle-shaped with many processes, basal nuclei, and basophilic cytoplasm. They divide and differentiate into other connective tissue cells.
Fibroblasts (Young and Mature): Young fibroblasts are fusiform with processes and a paler, oval central nucleus. Their cytoplasm is basophilic. Mature fibroblasts (fibrocytes) are smaller and have a darker nucleus and acidophilic cytoplasm. Fibroblasts synthesize connective tissue.
Macrophages: Have pseudopodia and kidney-shaped, eccentric nuclei, with abundant secondary lysosomes. Their function is phagocytosis.
Mast Cells: Large, free cells with basophilic granules that stain red with toluidine blue (metachromasia). Mast cells secrete histamine.
Plasma Cells: Large, ovoid cells with basophilic cytoplasm (rER), spherical eccentric nuclei, cart-wheel appearance. Their primary function is antibody formation.
Fat Cells (Adipocytes): Spherical or polyhedral with single or multiple lipid droplets and a flattened peripheral nucleus. Their function is lipid storage.

Types of Connective Tissue Proper

Loose Areolar Connective Tissue: Contains all fiber types, fibroblasts, and macrophages with abundant ground substance. Found in lamina propria and papillary dermis.
Dense Regular Connective Tissue: Contains parallel bundles of collagen fibers, fibroblasts, and little ground substance creating strength. Found in tendons and ligaments.
Dense Irregular Connective Tissue: Contains collagen fibers in all directions; less ground substance. This tissue is found in deep dermis and lymph capsules.

Specialized Connective Tissues

Adipose Connective Tissue: Composed of fat cells, collagenous fibers, and is rich in blood supply. Found in subcutaneous tissue and around vital organs.
Reticular Connective Tissue: Contains reticular fibers in a network, with fibroblasts and supportive function. Found in liver, lymphoid tissue, and bone marrow.
Elastic Connective Tissue: Contains elastic fibers that run in all directions or form parallel wavy fenestrated membranes. Found in large arteries and vocal cords.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the differences between connective tissue cells and epithelial cells. This quiz covers key components, functions, and characteristics of connective tissue as well as the roles of various fibers and mesenchymal cells.