Connective Tissue Lecture Notes PDF

Connective Tissue Composition, Types, and Histophysiology MARAMOT,SHALLA MAY C. ,RMT,MSMLS Objective: 1. To understand the composition, types, and histophysiology of connective tissue. 2. To identify the various cells, fibers, and ground substance that make up the connective tissue. 3. To c...

Connective Tissue Composition, Types, and Histophysiology MARAMOT,SHALLA MAY C. ,RMT,MSMLS Objective: 1. To understand the composition, types, and histophysiology of connective tissue. 2. To identify the various cells, fibers, and ground substance that make up the connective tissue. 3. To classify the different types of connective tissue and their respective functions and locations in the body. 4. To explain the histophysiological roles of connective tissue, including structural support, defense, storage, and tissue repair. 5. To explore the clinical correlations of connective tissue disorders. Introduction to Connective Tissue Definition: Connective tissue is one of the four main types of tissues in the body. ▪ It supports, connects, or separates different types of tissues and organs. Main Functions: ▪Structural support ▪Protection of organs ▪Transportation of fluids (blood, lymph) ▪Energy storage (adipose tissue) ▪Defense (immune responses) Composition of Connective Tissue  Composition of Connective Tissue Cells: Fibroblasts: Produce fibers and ground substance Macrophages: Phagocytic cells, part of immune defense Adipocytes: Store fats Mast cells: Mediate allergic reactions Plasma cells: Produce antibodies Extracellular Matrix (ECM):Fibers: ▪Collagen fibers: Provide strength ▪Elastic fibers: Provide elasticity ▪Reticular fibers: Form supportive networks Ground Substance: ▪Proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and glycoproteins: Facilitate the diffusion of nutrients and waste Classification of Connective Tissue Connective Tissue Proper: 1.Loose Connective Tissue: Areolar, Adipose, Reticular 2.Dense Connective Tissue: Dense Regular, Dense Irregular, Elastic  Specialized Connective Tissue: 1.Cartilage: Hyaline, Elastic, Fibrocartilage 2.Bone: Compact bone, Spongy bone 3.Blood: Fluid connective tissue 4.Lymph: Interstitial fluid involved in immune responses  Classification of Connective Tissue Connective Tissue Proper: 1.Loose Connective Tissue: ▪ Areolar, Adipose, Reticular  Loose Connective Tissue Areolar Tissue: Function: Provides elasticity, strength, and support Location: Beneath epithelial tissue, around blood vessels Histology: Contains collagen and elastic fibers, fibroblasts, macrophages Adipose Tissue: Function: Stores energy, insulates, and cushions organs Location: Subcutaneous tissue, around organs Histology: Large fat droplets, nucleus pushed to the side Reticular Tissue: Function: Supports the framework of lymphatic organs Location: Lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow Histology: Reticular fibers and white blood cells 2.Dense Connective Tissue: ▪ Dense Regular, Dense Irregular, Elastic Dense Connective Tissue Function: Provides tensile strength Location: Tendons, ligaments Histology: Parallel collagen fibers with fibroblasts Dense Irregular Connective Tissue: Function: Provides strength in multiple directions Location: Dermis of skin, capsules of organs Histology: Irregularly arranged collagen fibers Elastic Connective Tissue: Function: Allows stretch and recoil Location: Walls of large arteries, bronchial tubes Histology: Dense elastic fibers  Specialized Connective Tissue: 1.Cartilage: ▪ Hyaline, Elastic, Fibrocartilage  Specialized Connective Tissue - Cartilage Hyaline Cartilage: Function: Provides support with flexibility Location: Nose, trachea, larynx, ends of long bones Histology: Chondrocytes in lacunae, glassy matrix  Elastic Cartilage: Function: Maintains shape while allowing flexibility Location: External ear, epiglottis Histology: More elastic fibers in matrix Fibrocartilage: Function: Absorbs compressive shock Location: Intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis Histology: Thick collagen fibers 2.Bone: ▪Compact bone, Spongy bone  Specialized Connective Tissue - Bone Compact Bone: Function: Supports and protects, stores calcium Location: Outer layer of bones Histology: Osteons, concentric lamellae, central canal Spongy Bone: Function: Lightweight, supports bone marrow Location: Inside bones Histology: Trabeculae with red or yellow marrow 3.Blood: ▪Fluid connective tissue  Specialized Connective Tissue - Blood Function: Transports oxygen, nutrients, waste, and immune cells Components: Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Oxygen transport White Blood Cells (WBCs): Immunity Platelets: Clotting Plasma: Carries dissolved substances Lymph: 1.Interstitial fluid involved in immune responses  Lymph: Definition: Lymph is a clear, interstitial fluid that circulates in the lymphatic system, playing a crucial role in immune responses. Composition: Contains lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), proteins, and waste products. Function: Transports immune cells to sites of infection or injury. Helps in the removal of toxins, waste, and pathogens from tissues. Maintains fluid balance between blood and tissues. Histology: Composed of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphatic organs (like the spleen and tonsils). Lymph nodes filter out pathogens, and lymphocytes attack foreign invaders. Histophysiology of Connective Tissue Structural Function: Supports epithelial tissue and organs Binds tissues together Defense Mechanism: Contains immune cells (macrophages, lymphocytes) Fights infections and repairs damaged tissues Storage Function: ▪Stores energy (adipose tissue) ▪Stores minerals (bone tissue) Repair and Healing: ▪Fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing ▪Collagen deposition aids in tissue repair  Clinical Correlations Connective Tissue Diseases: Marfan Syndrome: Genetic disorder affecting elastic fibers Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Defect in collagen production, leading to brittle bones Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Hyperelastic skin and hypermobile joints due to abnormal collagen End….