Connective Tissue

What are some major functions of connective tissue?

• connects structures (ligaments to tendons)

• protection and support (bones)

• acts as a filler material (fills space between epithelial ducts, and separates nerves from muscles)

• transports gases

• stores energy

All CT arises from the same embryonic tissue, called

What are characteristics of connective tissue?

• variable vascularity

• composed mostly of non living extracellular matrix

Each class of connective tissue has a major cell type which include...

• the young, unspecialized cells secrete the matrix (fibroblasts, chondroblasts, osteoblasts)

• once mature, the cells live in the matrix they have made( fibrocytes, chondrocytes, osteocytes)

What consists of the extracellular matrix?

• Ground substance

• Fibers

Ground substance is defined as

• great tensile strength, but flexible.

• material that fills the spaces between cells and holds the fibers

• thinner fibers, often form ornate, sponge like shapes

• thinnest, highly elastic (e.g., enables lungs to strength/contract)

Which closely identifies with collagen fibers?

• great tensile strength, but flexible.

• material that fills the spaces between cells and holds the fibers

• thinner fibers, often form ornate, sponge like shapes

• thinnest, highly elastic (e.g., enables lungs to strength/contract)

Which closely identifies with reticular fibers?

• great tensile strength, but flexible.

• material that fills the spaces between cells and holds the fibers

• thinner fibers, often form ornate, sponge like shapes

• thinnest, highly elastic (e.g., enables lungs to strength/contract)

Which closely identifies with reticular fibers?

• great tensile strength, but flexible.

• material that fills the spaces between cells and holds the fibers

• thinner fibers, often form ornate, sponge like shapes

• thinnest, highly elastic (e.g., enables lungs to strength/contract)

What are characteristics of ground substance?

• made up mostly of complex carbohydrates and proteins

• acts like a glue

• holds lots of water

• often syrupy/ rubbery consistency