CONNECTIVE TISSUE C T The excitement is building

CONNECTIVE TISSUE (C. T. ) The excitement is building! ** Connects! ** MOST ABUNDANT TISSUE TYPE IN BODY!

FUNCTIONS OF C. T. 1) 2) 3) Protects organs Supports organs Binds together body tissues

Characteristics of C. T. 1) VARY IN BLOOD SUPPLY à Most are vascularized (have a blood supply) à Some exceptions: Tendons, ligaments, and cartilage are avascular (heal very slowly when injured!)

Characteristics of C. T. continued 2) Have an extracellular matrix (ECM) – which is a collection of molecules found outside of the cells that provide structural support to the surrounding cells n Matrix can be liquid, semisolid, or solid depending on tissue type and enables C. T. to withstand weight and stretching

Collagen Fibers: n Large fibers of the connective tissue (C. T. ) matrix made of the protein collagen and are typically the most abundant fibers; promote tissue flexibility

Fibroblasts: n Secrete fibers and ground substance of the matrix of C. T.

Mast cells: n Cells that release histamine and other substances during inflammatory and allergic reactions Mast cell – Allergies visual video clip

Macrophages: n white blood cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and foreign substances in a process called phagocytosis

Elastic fibers: n Branching fibers of the C. T. matrix made of the protein elastin; allow for stretch and recoil

Blood vessels/blood cells: n Arteries, veins, and capillaries transport oxygen and carbon dioxide; red blood cells transport oxygen & white blood cells are immune system cells

Adipocytes: n Fat cells that store energy as fat (lipids); this fat insulates the body

Fill-in CONNECTIVE TISSUE CHART

1) LOOSE C. T. (AREOLAR) n DESCRIPTION: Areola means small open space – most of the matrix of this tissue appears to be empty space n FUNCTION: Wraps and cushions organs; holds internal organs together – acts as “glue” n LOCATION: Around organs

2) ADIPOSE n DESCRIPTION: FAT cells n FUNCTION: is reserve “fuel” or energy, protects organ by cushioning them, and functions in insulation n LOCATION: Found around organs, under skin, within abdomen, in breasts

3) DENSE C. T. n DESCRIPTION: Collagen fibers in matrix give tissue flexibility, fibroblasts are cells that make the fibers n FUNCTION: tendons connect muscle to bone and ligaments connect bone to bone; they withstand stress when pulled

4) HYALINE CARTILAGE DESCRIPTION: Hyaline cartilage is the most abundant type of cartilage; (elastic cartilage is found in ear and nose) - One cell is called a chondrocyte n n FUNCTION: supports and reinforces organs n LOCATION: looks glass-like and covers ends of bones at joints and in

5) BONE DESCRIPTION: Bone cells called osteocytes are in cavities called LACUNAE One large circle (unit of bone) is an OSTEON n n FUNCTION: Osseous tissue has a very strong and hard matrix that protects internal organs and supports the body; provides levers for the muscles to act on

6) BLOOD n DESCRIPTION: Contains blood cells! Red blood cells appear pink on the slide and white blood cells are purple The fluid matrix is called blood plasma n FUNCTION: transport for the circulatory system carrying nutrients and wastes n LOCATION: Throughout the entire