Bio 237 Lecture 6 - Connective Tissue PDF

Answers for BIO 237 Lecture 6 - Connective Tissue 1. What is connective tissue, and why is it significant in the human body? ○ Connective tissue is the most abundant and widely distributed tissue type in the body. It supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs, wi...

Answers for BIO 237 Lecture 6 - Connective Tissue 1. What is connective tissue, and why is it significant in the human body? ○ Connective tissue is the most abundant and widely distributed tissue type in the body. It supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs, with diverse types including fibrous tissue, adipose tissue, cartilage, bone, and blood. 2. List and describe the types of connective tissues mentioned. ○ The types include fibrous connective tissue, adipose tissue, cartilage, bone, and blood. Each has specific functions and characteristics, such as providing structural support (bone) or storing energy (adipose tissue). 3. What are the common features shared by all connective tissues? ○ All connective tissues have an extracellular matrix that is the majority of their structure, with cells being the minority. The cells are not in direct contact with each other, and they originate from mesenchyme in embryos. 4. What role does the extracellular matrix play in connective tissues? ○ The extracellular matrix provides structural and functional support, creating a framework that allows cells to interact indirectly and perform their specific roles. 5. How are connective tissues formed during embryonic development? ○ Connective tissues are formed from the mesenchyme, an embryonic tissue, which differentiates into various types of connective tissues during development. 6. Explain the function of connective tissues in binding organs. Provide examples. ○ Connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, and fibrous tissue bind organs together, ensuring they stay connected and function as a cohesive unit. For example, tendons connect muscles to bones. 7. What is the role of connective tissues in physical support? Give examples. ○ Bones and cartilage provide a rigid structure that supports organs and the overall body framework. The fibrous tissues within organs like the spleen also offer support. 8. Describe how connective tissues provide physical protection to organs. ○ Bones protect vital organs (e.g., the skull protects the brain), while adipose tissue cushions organs such as the kidneys and eyes, providing a protective barrier. 9. How do connective tissues contribute to immune protection? ○ Cells like macrophages within connective tissues identify and attack invaders. Connective fibers also create a network under the skin and mucous membranes where immune responses occur. 10. In what way do connective tissues aid movement within the body? ○ Bones and cartilage provide leverage and structural support for movement, working with the muscular system to enable mobility. 11. Discuss the role of connective tissues in storage, particularly in relation to fat and bone. ○ Adipose tissue stores energy as fat, while bone stores minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for various bodily functions. 12. What is the importance of heat production in connective tissues?  ○ Brown fat, a type of connective tissue, produces heat, especially in infants and children, to maintain body temperature. 13. How do connective tissues function in the transport of substances like gases and nutrients? ○ Blood, a fluid connective tissue, transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. 14. What are the three main components of connective tissues? ○ Cells, fibers, and ground substances. 15. Define fibrous connective tissue and list its components. ○ Fibrous connective tissue is composed of cells (like fibroblasts), fibers (collagen, reticular, and elastic), and ground substances that provide structural support and flexibility. 16. What types of cells are found in fibrous connective tissue? ○ Fibroblasts, macrophages, leukocytes (e.g., neutrophils and lymphocytes), and adipocytes. 17. What are fibroblasts, and what function do they serve in fibrous connective tissue? ○ Fibroblasts are large cells that produce fibers and ground substances, forming the matrix of fibrous connective tissue. 18. Describe the role of macrophages in connective tissues. ○ Macrophages are large, phagocytic cells that engulf pathogens and dead cells, helping to defend and clean up tissues. 19. What other types of leukocytes are found in fibrous connective tissue, and what are their functions? ○ Neutrophils (combat infections), lymphocytes (immune response), plasma cells (produce antibodies), and mast cells (involved in inflammatory responses). 20. What are adipocytes, and where are they typically found in connective tissue? ○ Adipocytes are fat cells that store energy and are found in small clusters within fibrous connective tissue. When they dominate an area, the tissue is called adipose tissue. 21. Explain the different types of fibers found in fibrous connective tissue. ○ Collagenous fibers (tough and flexible), reticular fibers (thin and supportive), and elastic fibers (provide elasticity). 22. What are collagenous fibers, and what makes them significant? ○ Collagenous fibers are tough, flexible fibers that resist stretching and make up a significant part of tendons, ligaments, and the dermis. 23. Where can collagen be found in the body, and why is it abundant? ○ Collagen is the most abundant protein, found in skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone, providing structural strength. 24. Define reticular fibers and describe their function in connective tissues. ○ Reticular fibers are thin collagen fibers coated with glycoproteins. They form a framework for organs like the spleen and lymph nodes. 25. What are elastic fibers, and how do they contribute to tissue elasticity?  ○ Elastic fibers are thinner than collagen fibers, made of elastin, and allow tissues like skin, lungs, and arteries to stretch and return to their original shape. 26. Explain the structure of ground substances in fibrous connective tissue. ○ Ground substances fill the space between cells and fibers, acting like glue. They include glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans, and adhesive glycoproteins. 27. What are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and what is their role in connective tissue? ○ GAGs are long polysaccharides that attract water, helping to hydrate and support the extracellular matrix. 28. Discuss the significance of chondroitin sulfate, heparin, and hyaluronic acid in connective tissue. ○ These GAGs help to absorb water, support tissue structure, and provide resilience and cushioning in connective tissues. 29. What is the function of proteoglycans in connective tissue? ○ Proteoglycans form thick colloids that bind tissues together, providing stability and support. 30. How do adhesive glycoproteins contribute to the structure of the extracellular matrix? ○ They bind components of the matrix and anchor cells to fibers, helping maintain tissue integrity. 31. Differentiate between loose and dense connective tissue. ○ Loose connective tissue has more ground substance and fewer fibers, while dense connective tissue has more fibers and less ground substance. 32. What are the characteristics of areolar tissue, and where is it located in the body? ○ Areolar tissue is a type of loose connective tissue with abundant blood vessels, located beneath the epithelium and around nerves and blood vessels. 33. Explain the relationship between areolar tissue and epithelium. ○ Areolar tissue connects the epithelium to deeper tissues, providing support and a blood supply. 34. What is reticular tissue, and what is its role in the body? ○ Reticular tissue is a mesh of reticular fibers and fibroblasts, forming the framework (stroma) for organs such as the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow. 35. Describe the structure and function of dense regular connective tissue. ○ Dense regular connective tissue has densely packed collagen fibers running parallel, providing strength in one direction. It is found in tendons (connecting muscle to bone) and ligaments (connecting bone to bone). 36. What distinguishes dense irregular connective tissue from other types of dense connective tissues? ○ Dense irregular connective tissue has thick bundles of collagen fibers arranged in various directions, offering strength and resistance to stress from multiple angles. It is found in the dermis, around organs, and in sheaths covering bones and cartilage. 37. What is adipose tissue, and what are its primary functions?  ○ Adipose tissue is made up of fat cells (adipocytes) embedded in areolar and reticular tissue. It stores energy, insulates the body, cushions organs, and produces heat through metabolism of brown fat (especially in infants). 38. Discuss the differences between white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). ○ WAT is more abundant in adults and stores energy, insulates, and cushions organs. BAT, found mainly in infants and some adults, has numerous mitochondria and generates heat. 39. What role does leptin play in the body, and where is it secreted from? ○ Leptin is a hormone secreted by white adipose tissue that helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting food intake and increasing energy expenditure. 40. Explain the function of brown adipose tissue in infants and children. ○ BAT generates heat by burning fatty acids, which helps infants maintain body temperature since they cannot shiver effectively. 41. How does the structure of cartilage differ from other types of connective tissues? ○ Cartilage is a flexible, rubbery connective tissue with no blood vessels. Nutrients and waste removal occur through diffusion in its matrix, which contains collagen fibers and glycosaminoglycans. 42. What are the three types of cartilage found in the body, and where are they located? ○ The three types are hyaline cartilage (found in joints, nose, and trachea), elastic cartilage (found in the ear and epiglottis), and fibrous cartilage (found in intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis). 43. Describe the process by which cartilage is formed and maintained by chondroblasts and chondrocytes. ○ Chondroblasts produce the matrix and surround themselves with it, becoming trapped in lacunae, at which point they are called chondrocytes. These cells maintain the matrix of the cartilage. 44. What is the perichondrium, and what is its role in cartilage? ○ The perichondrium is a sheath of dense irregular connective tissue surrounding cartilage, providing nutrients, support, and assisting in growth and repair. 45. Differentiate between hyaline, elastic, and fibrous cartilage in terms of structure and function. ○ Hyaline cartilage provides support and flexibility, elastic cartilage allows for bending and maintaining shape, and fibrous cartilage resists compression and absorbs shock. 46. Explain the importance of bone (osseous tissue) as a type of connective tissue. ○ Bone tissue provides structural support, protects vital organs, assists in movement, stores minerals, and houses bone marrow for blood cell production. 47. What are the two types of bone tissue, and how are they structured? ○ The two types are spongy (cancellous) bone, which has a porous, lattice-like structure, and compact (cortical) bone, which is dense and forms the outer layer of bones. 48. Describe the structure of compact bone and the role of osteocytes.  ○ Compact bone is composed of concentric lamellae arranged around central canals, with osteocytes (bone cells) trapped in lacunae, maintaining the bone matrix. 49. What is the function of the periosteum, and how does it contribute to bone health? ○ The periosteum is a fibrous sheath covering bones, containing osteogenic cells that help in bone growth and repair. 50. Explain the structure and function of blood as a fluid connective tissue. ○ Blood consists of plasma (the liquid component) and formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). It transports gases, nutrients, wastes, hormones, and plays a role in immune defense and clotting. 51. What are the components of blood plasma, and what roles do they play? ○ Plasma contains water, proteins (like albumin and clotting factors), nutrients, hormones, gases, and waste products, functioning as a transport medium. 52. Differentiate between the formed elements of blood: leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets. ○ Erythrocytes (red blood cells) transport oxygen and carbon dioxide, leukocytes (white blood cells) defend against pathogens, and platelets are involved in blood clotting. 53. Describe the process by which blood clots form and the role of fibers in this process. ○ When blood clots form, fibrin fibers emerge, trapping blood cells to create a mesh that seals wounds and prevents further bleeding. 54. What is the relationship between adipose tissue and energy storage in the body? ○ Adipose tissue stores triglycerides, providing a reserve of energy that the body can access during periods of energy demand. 55. How does white adipose tissue contribute to body insulation and organ protection? ○ White adipose tissue insulates the body to retain heat and cushions organs like the kidneys and eyes, protecting them from physical impact. 56. Discuss the thermogenic function of brown adipose tissue. ○ Brown adipose tissue generates heat by metabolizing fatty acids, particularly in response to cold environments, helping maintain body temperature. 57. Where in the body can hyaline cartilage be found, and what is its significance? ○ Hyaline cartilage is found in joints, the respiratory tract, and the fetal skeleton. It provides smooth surfaces for movement and support. 58. What structural characteristics enable elastic cartilage to maintain flexibility? ○ Elastic cartilage contains elastin fibers, allowing it to bend and return to its original shape, as seen in the external ear and epiglottis. 59. How does fibrous cartilage provide strength and support in the body? ○ Fibrous cartilage has dense bundles of collagen fibers, making it strong and capable of withstanding compression, as found in intervertebral discs. 60. What role do glycosaminoglycans play in cartilage health and function? ○ Glycosaminoglycans attract and retain water, providing resilience and cushioning in cartilage, essential for joint function.  61. What are the structural differences between spongy and compact bone? ○ Spongy bone has a lattice-like structure with trabeculae, while compact bone is dense and organized into osteons for strength and support. 62. How do bones remodel themselves, and why is this important? ○ Bones remodel through the activity of osteoclasts (resorption) and osteoblasts (formation) to adapt to stress, repair damage, and maintain calcium levels. 63. What is the function of red bone marrow, and where is it located? ○ Red bone marrow produces blood cells and is located in the spongy bone of the skull, vertebrae, ribs, sternum, and ends of long bones. 64. Explain how blood vessels and nerves integrate into bone tissue. ○ Blood vessels and nerves enter through nutrient foramina, supplying nutrients and removing waste, and they travel through the central and perforating canals in compact bone. 65. What is the function of the marrow cavity in long bones? ○ The marrow cavity stores bone marrow, which is essential for blood cell production and fat storage (yellow marrow in adults). 66. How do the structures of tendons and ligaments differ, and what are their roles? ○ Tendons connect muscles to bones, and ligaments connect bones to other bones. Both are composed of dense regular connective tissue. 67. What are the consequences of injuries to dense regular connective tissue? ○ Dense regular connective tissue has limited blood supply, so injuries like tendon tears heal slowly and may require medical intervention. 68. Describe the process of bone development and the types of cells involved. ○ Bone development involves osteogenic cells differentiating into osteoblasts, which secrete bone matrix, and later into osteocytes. Osteoclasts are also involved in bone remodeling. 69. What are osteocytes, and how do they maintain bone health? ○ Osteocytes are mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix and communicate with other cells to regulate bone remodeling. 70. Explain the role of osteoblasts in bone formation. ○ Osteoblasts synthesize and secrete the organic matrix of bone and promote mineralization, forming new bone tissue. 71. What are osteoclasts, and how do they function in bone resorption? ○ Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells that dissolve bone tissue by secreting acid and enzymes, allowing for the release of calcium into the bloodstream. 72. How does bone tissue contribute to the balance of calcium and phosphate in the body? ○ Bone tissue acts as a reservoir for calcium and phosphate, releasing What are the key structural features of an osteon in compact bone? An osteon is the fundamental structural unit of compact bone, consisting of concentric lamellae (layers of bone matrix) arranged around a central canal that houses blood vessels and nerves. Osteocytes are located in lacunae between the lamellae and communicate through canaliculi. How does the extracellular matrix of bone differ from other types of connective tissue? The bone matrix is rich in inorganic minerals, primarily hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate), which gives bone its hardness, while also containing organic collagen fibers that provide flexibility and tensile strength. What are the roles of collagen fibers in providing flexibility to bones? Collagen fibers in bone help absorb impact and provide flexibility, preventing bones from being too brittle and allowing them to bend slightly under stress. Explain the impact of calcium phosphate and other minerals on bone strength. Calcium phosphate and other minerals, such as calcium carbonate, crystallize within the bone matrix, making the bone rigid and capable of withstanding compression forces. How does the organization of bone tissue help resist stress and mechanical forces? The arrangement of osteons in compact bone and the lattice structure of trabeculae in spongy bone allow bones to distribute mechanical stress effectively, adapting to the different forces exerted on them. What is the significance of periosteum and endosteum in bone repair and growth? The periosteum contains osteogenic cells that contribute to bone growth and repair on the outer surface, while the endosteum lines internal bone cavities and assists in remodeling and healing processes. How does cartilage contribute to joint function and mobility? Cartilage, particularly hyaline cartilage, provides a smooth, lubricated surface at joint interfaces, reducing friction and allowing for smooth, pain-free movement. What are the primary differences between the matrix composition of bone and cartilage? The bone matrix is mineralized with calcium and phosphate, making it rigid and strong, whereas the cartilage matrix is more flexible due to its higher content of glycosaminoglycans and collagen fibers without mineral deposits, allowing for cushioning and flexibility.