CONNECTIVE TISSUEKEEPING THE BODY TOGETHER
FUNCTIONS OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE: Interconnection of tissues Support and motion Storage Cushioning and insulation Enclosing and separating Transport protection
CHARACTERISTICS OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE Cells produce and maintain a matrix The cells are not usually touching –
they sit within the matrix they produce The matrix allows connective tissue to
perform its job
WHAT IS A MATRIX? The acellular substance of a tissue The matrix is made by the cells of that tissue The matrix gives the tissue its qualities
This is the cell
LOOSE CONNECTIVE TISSUE Large spaces between fibers filled with
fluid or cells Examples: Areolar, adipose, and
reticular
ADIPOSE TISSUE (FAT) Little extracellular matrix Adipocytes filled with lipids Function: storage, thermal insulation,
cushioning Found: below skin, yellow bone
marrow, in spaces and crevices
AREOLAR TISSUE: Has a fine network of fibers Contains fibroblasts, macrophages, and
lymphocytes Function: support and nourishment Found: Around and between muscles,
vessels, nerves, and organs
RETICULAR TISSUE Fine network of reticular fibers irregularly
arranged Spaces contain macrophages and blood cells Function: provides structure for lymphatic
tissue and red bone marrow
Found around the liver, spleen, kidneys, lymph nodes, and bone marrow
DENSE CONNECTIVE TISSUE - REGULAR Densely packed fibers with little space
in between Fibers are mostly collagen Fibers run in one direction
CONTINUED… Functions: withstand tremendous
pulling forces in the direction of the fibers, stretch resistance
Found: in tendons and ligaments
DENSE IRREGULAR CONNECTIVE TISSUE Fibers run in several directions Function: provide strength in many
directions, but not as strong in a single direction as DRCT
Found: organ capsules, the dermis of the skin
ELASTIC CONNECTIVE TISSUE Matrix made of elastic and collagen fibers Function: able to stretch and recoil Found in: walls of arteries, elastic
ligaments in the spine
HYALINE CARTILAGE Collagen fibers in a firm, flexible matrix Chondrocytes (the cartilage cells) sit in
lacunae Function: growth of long bones,
support and flexibility in trachea, bronchi, ribs, and nose
Makes up the embryonic skeleton Covers articulating surfaces
CONTINUED. . . . Found: ends of long bones, articular
surfaces, ribs, nose, respiratory system, and the embryonic skeleton
FIBROCARTILAGE Numerous collagen fibers in thick
bundles Function: withstand pressure,
connects structures subjected to great pressure
Found: intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, knee, temporomandibular joint
ELASTIC CARTILAGE Similar to hyaline cartilage but matrix
also has elastic fibers Function: rigidity with flexibility, can
stretch and return to original shape Found: external ear structure,
epiglottis, auditory tubes
BONE Hard connective tissue made by
cells(osteocytes) that sit in a mineralized matrix
Function: provide great strength and support, protection, movement
Found: the skeleton
BLOOD Liquid connective tissue Blood cells are in a fluid matrix called
plasma. Function: transport, protection,
temperature regulation