Common Characteristics of Connective Tissue Most common Well

Common Characteristics of Connective Tissue �Most common �Well supplied with blood. (tendons and ligaments) �Made up of many types of cells and extracellular matrix

Extracellular matrix �Produced by the connective tissue cells then secreted to the exterior �Can be liquid, gel-like, or solid �Examples: Fat tissue: mostly cells and a soft matrix Bone: few cells and very hard matrix

Types of connective tissue � 5 different types: Bone Cartilage Dense connective tissue Loose connective tissue Blood

1. Bone �Bone cells (osteocytes) sitting in cavities surrounded by a very hard ECM �Protect and support other body organs

2. Cartilage �Softer and more flexible than bone �cells with a rubbery ECM �Functions to absorb impact to the bone or form structures where elasticity is desired Ex: the ear and between vertebrae, ribs

3. Dense Connective Tissue �Contains fibroblast cells with tough fibers as the ECM �Forms strong ropelike structures �Tendons, ligaments, dermis

Tendons and Ligaments �Tendons: attach skeletal muscles to bones Less stretchy and contain less elastic fibers �Ligaments: connect bones to bones at joints More stretchy and contains more elastic fibers

4. Loose Connective Tissue �Softer and have more cells and fewer fibers in ECM � 2 main types: Areolar Adipose

Areolar Tissue �Most widely distributed connective tissue �Has several important functions 1. Universal packing tissue because it wraps around organs as protection 2. Hold organs in their proper positions

Adipose Tissue �AKA fat �Forms beneath the skin �Protects the body from temperatures and provides some protection to organs

5. Blood �Considered connective tissue because it is composed of blood cells surrounded by a fluid ECM called blood plasma �Transport nutrients, wastes, and respiratory gases.