Connective Tissue

Chapter 3Human Anatomy & Physiology

Connective Tissue

Function:- Binds structures together- Provides support & protection- Fills spaces- Produces blood cells- Stores fat

For energy, insulation, organ protection

Structure:- Tissue cells are widely separated by extracellular matrix- Can be solid, semisolid, or liquid

Matrix of connective tissue determine its properties and functions.

Fibers of the Matrix

White fibers – contain collagen which gives the fibers flexibility and strength

Yellow fibers – contain elastin more elastic than collagen but not as strong

Reticular fibers – thin, highly branched collagenous fibers that provide support

1. Fibrous Connective Tissue

Loose (areolar) connective tissueAdipose (fats)

Dense connective tissue Regular irregular

Reticular connective tissue

A. Loose (areolar) Connective Tissue Lies between other

tissues or between organs binding them

Cells made of fibroblasts – large, star-shaped cells

Contains many white fibers (strong and flexible) and yellow fibers (very elastic)

Adipose tissue is a type of loose connective tissue- stores fats, provides insulation- found beneath skin, around kidney & heart, breast

B. Dense Connective TissueRegular

Consists of parallel bundles of collagenous fibers

Found in tendons & ligaments

Binds organs together

Irregular Bundles run in

different direction Found in inner portion

of skin

Dense Regular Dense Irregular

C. Reticular Connective Has reticular cells and

reticular fibers Also called lymphatic

tissue Found in lymph nodes,

spleen, thymus, and red bone marrow

Store and produce white blood cells

Part of immune system

2. Cartilage The cell

(chondrocytes) lies in small chambers called lacunae

Matrix is solid yet flexible

Lacks direct blood supply, as a result, it heals slowly

3 types - Hyaline cartilage - Elastic cartilage - Fibrocartilage

A. Hyaline Cartilage Most common Matrix contains fine collagenous fibers

Glassy, white, opaque Found in the nose, ends of the long bones

and ribs, rings in the trachea

B. Elastic Cartilage Contains elastic and

collagenous fibers Found in the outer

ear

C. Fibrocartilage Matrix contains

strong collagenous fibers

Function: absorbs shocks and reduces friction between joints

Found in the pads between the vertebrae and knee joints

3. Bones Most rigid of the connective tissues Minerals and protein fibers gives bone

rigidity, elasticity and strength Two types:

Compact boneSpongy bone

A. Compact Bone Found in the outer portion of long bones Consists of many cylindrical-shaped units

called osteon

B. Spongy Bone Found on ends of long bone Contains bony bars and plates called trabeculae separated by irregular spaces

Blood cells are made within the red marrow found in the spongy bone

4. Blood Connective tissue composed

of cells suspended in liquid matrix called plasma

Red blood cells (erythrocytes) – carries oxygen

White blood cells (leukocytes) – fights infection

Platelets – fragment of giant cells found in bone marrow