Connective Tissue Quiz

Study Notes

Blood Composition and Characteristics

Blood is a specialized connective tissue with a fluid matrix.
Composed of an extracellular matrix (plasma) and formed elements (cells).
Plasma contains proteins such as albumin, fibrinogen, immunoglobulins, lipids, hormones, vitamins, and salts.

Cellular Components of Blood

Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells): Anucleate, biconcave discs approximately 7.8 µm in diameter, lack organelles, and maximize surface area for gas exchange.
Leukocytes (White Blood Cells): Key in immune responses, migrate out of blood to connective tissues.
- Granulocytes: Neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils; characterized by specific granules in their cytoplasm.
- Agranulocytes: Lymphocytes and monocytes; lack specific granules.

Erythrocytes Function

Contain hemoglobin, specialized for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Diseases impacting RBCs include malaria and sickle cell anemia, affecting oxygen-carrying capacity.

Leukocytes Groups

Divided into two groups based on granule presence:
- Granulocytes: Includes neutrophils (most common), eosinophils, and basophils, all involved in immune responses.
- Agranulocytes: Comprises lymphocytes and monocytes, playing distinct roles in adaptive and innate immunity.

Granulocyte Characteristics

Neutrophils:
- Most abundant, polymorphonuclear with a multi-lobed nucleus.
- Granules include neutrophilic (antimicrobial) and azurophilic (lysosomes).
- First line of defense, motile, and phagocytic.
Eosinophils:
- Bi-lobed nucleus, typically 12-15 µm in diameter.
- Associated with allergic reactions and parasitic infections; their granules stain bright red.
Basophils:
- Least numerous, with lobed nuclei, 8-12 µm in diameter.
- Contain basophilic granules (heparin) and play a role in hypersensitivity reactions.

Agranulocyte Functions

Lymphocytes:
- Vary in size; small lymphocytes are predominant.
- Classified into T cells (cell-mediated immunity) and B cells (antibody production).
- Natural killer cells (NK cells) are part of innate immunity.
Monocytes:
- Exhibit rounded or indented nuclei with few lysosomes.
- Differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells upon leaving blood circulation.

Hematopoiesis Process

Hematopoiesis occurs in bone marrow and can also take place in extramedullary sites such as the spleen and liver.
Myeloid stem cells give rise to red blood cells, platelets, and leukocytes.
Erythropoiesis involves proerythroblasts differentiating into mature erythrocytes.

Immune Responses

Lymphocytes play distinct roles:
- Innate immunity: NK cells respond to virus-infected cells.
- Adaptive immunity: T and B cells are crucial for specific immune responses.
Lymphocytes can survive from a few days to several years, depending on their type and activation state.

Description

Test your knowledge on the various types of connective tissues, including blood, epithelium, and muscle. This quiz covers the characteristics and matrices of these specialized tissues. Assess your understanding of the basic tissue types in the human body.