Connective Tissue: Types and Functions

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic distinguishes connective tissue from other tissue types?

  • Lack of blood vessels within the tissue.
  • Presence of tightly packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix.
  • Origin from ectodermal embryonic tissue.
  • Cells suspended in an extracellular matrix of fibers and ground substance. (correct)

A sample shows a tissue with fibroblasts producing collagen and elastin. Which class of connective tissue is most likely observed?

  • Cartilage
  • Bone
  • Blood
  • Connective tissue proper (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of connective tissue?

  • Binding other tissues together.
  • Generating electrical impulses. (correct)
  • Supporting body structures.
  • Protecting organs.

If a patient has damage to a tissue that is slow to heal due to a lack of direct blood supply, which tissue is most likely affected?

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

A scientist is studying the embryonic origin of different tissues. From which embryonic tissue does all connective tissue derive?

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

In what way is areolar tissue’s structure related to its common function?

<p>Its loose arrangement of fibers allows it to act as a flexible packing material. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where would areolar connective tissue most likely be found?

<p>Surrounding muscle tissue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of fibroblasts in connective tissue proper?

<p>To secrete collagen and elastin. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of fibroblasts in dense regular connective tissue?

<p>Secreting collagen fibers to provide tensile strength. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A tissue sample taken from the wall of a major artery is examined under a microscope. Which type of connective tissue would you expect to find?

<p>Elastic connective tissue (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fiber provides high tensile strength and is typically bundled together as thick, 'white' fibers?

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

In which of the following locations would you most likely find reticular tissue?

<p>Liver, spleen, and lymphatic organs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does dense irregular connective tissue resist tension compared to dense regular connective tissue?

<p>Dense irregular connective tissue resists tension from many directions, while dense regular connective tissue primarily resists stress from one direction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the primary function of adipose tissue?

<p>Storing fat for energy, protection, and insulation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of chondrocytes, and where are they located?

<p>Maintain cartilage matrix; located in lacunae. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cartilage is most abundant in the body and has resilient cushioning properties to decrease friction in joints?

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

Flashcards

Histology

The study of tissues in the body.

Four primary tissue types

The main categories of tissues: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.

Connective Tissue

Most abundant tissue in the body, functions to protect, support, and bind other tissues.

Extracellular Matrix

The non-cellular component surrounding cells in connective tissue, made of fibers and ground substance.

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Mesenchyme

The embryonic tissue from which all connective tissue develops.

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Fibroblasts

Cells that produce protein fibers in connective tissue proper, like collagen and elastin.

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Areolar Tissue

A type of loose connective tissue that is widely distributed throughout the body.

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Four classes of connective tissue

Connective tissue proper, cartilage, bone, and blood.

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Macrophages

White blood cells that defend against infection by engulfing pathogens.

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Mast Cells

Cells that release histamine and heparin during inflammatory responses.

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Collagen Fibers

Thick, bundled fibers that provide high tensile strength in tissues.

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Elastic Fibers

Thin fibers that can stretch easily and return to shape.

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Adipose Tissue

Connective tissue that stores fat for energy, protection, and insulation.

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Hyaline Cartilage

Most abundant cartilage; found in joints, nose, and trachea, providing cushioning.

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Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage with many elastic fibers; found in flexible structures like the outer ear.

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Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Thicker collagen fibers arranged in multiple directions; resists tension from all sides.

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Study Notes

Human Tissues

  • Tissues are groups of similar cells with a shared function. Histology is the study of tissues.
  • There are four primary tissue types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.

Connective Tissue

  • Connective tissue is the most abundant tissue by weight. Its purpose is to support, protect, and bind other tissues.
  • Cells are located in an extracellular matrix of fibers and ground substance.
  • Blood vessels are present in most connective tissues, except cartilage.
  • All connective tissues originate from the embryonic tissue called mesenchyme.
  • Four types: connective tissue proper, cartilage, bone, and blood.

Connective Tissue Proper

  • Areolar Tissue:

    • Widely distributed, found beneath skin and epithelium, and between muscles.
    • Cell types: fibroblasts (produce fibers), macrophages (defend against infection), and mast cells (release histamine & heparin).
    • Fibers: collagen (strong, white fibers), elastic (flexible, yellow fibers).
  • Adipose Tissue:

    • Stores energy, provides protection, and insulation.
    • Contains fat cells (adipocytes).
  • Reticular Tissue:

    • Forms a soft internal skeleton to support other cell types.
    • Found in liver, spleen, and lymphatic organs.
    • Contains reticular fibers.
  • Dense Regular Connective Tissue:

    • Closely packed collagen fibers running in parallel directions, resists stress from one direction.
    • Found in tendons and ligaments.
  • Dense Irregular Connective Tissue:

    • Bundles of collagen fibers running in many different directions, giving strength.
    • Found in the dermis of the skin.
  • Elastic Connective Tissue:

    • Composed of a high proportion of elastic fibers, allowing tissue to recoil after stretching.
    • Found in walls of major arteries.

Cartilage

  • Three types: hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage.
  • Extracellular matrix is a gel containing proteoglycans and collagen/elastic fibers giving resilience and strength.
  • Cells: chondrocytes, located in lacunae.
    • Hyaline Cartilage:
      • Most abundant type.
      • Found in trachea, larynx, and covers ends of long bones.
    • Elastic Cartilage:
      • Contains many elastic fibers, more flexible.
    • Fibrocartilage:
      • Tough, acts as a shock absorber. Found in intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, and knee joint discs.

Bone (Osseous Tissue)

  • Supports and protects the body.
  • Extracellular matrix is made of collagen fibers and minerals (hydroxyapatite).
  • Cells: osteoblasts (secrete bone matrix), osteocytes (maintain bone matrix).

Blood

  • An atypical connective tissue.
  • Extracellular matrix is blood plasma.
  • Cells: red blood cells (carry gases), white blood cells (fight infection), platelets (blood clotting).

Nervous Tissue

  • Found in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
  • Composed of neurons that transmit electrical impulses and neuroglial cells, that support, protect, and nourish neurons.

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