Functions of Connective Tissue Bind structures Provide support

Functions of Connective Tissue -Bind structures -Provide support and protection -Fill spaces -Store fat -Produce blood cells -Protect against infection and help repair tissue damage

Characteristics of connective tissue -Farther apart than epithelium -Contain an “extracellular matrix” consisting of fibers and ground substance -Vascular

Major cell types • 1. Fixed Cells: reside in tissue for extended period of time • a) Fibroblasts- star shaped, produce fibers by secreting proteins into matrix • b) Mast Cells- located near blood vessels, release heparin (prevents blood clotting) and histamine (promotes inflammatory responses)

Major cell types • 2. Wandering Cells: move through body and appear in response to injury/infection a) Macrophages: digests unwanted material within a tissue.

Other Cell Types • Adipocyte: Fat cell • Chondrocyte: cartilage cell • Chondroblast: builds cartilage

Other Cell Types Osteoblast: builds bone Haversian Canal: Carries blood vessels Osteoclast: removes bone Osteocyte: bone cell Osteon: Functional Unit

Other Cell Types Plasma Cell: produces antibodies Platelet: helps with blood clotting Red Blood Cell: delivers oxygen to the body

Fibers Collagenous: made of collagen, thick, strong, make up ligaments and bones Elastic: made of elastin, thin, frequently stretched, also called “yellow fibers” Reticular: thin collagenous fibers, highly branched, form support systems.

Connective Tissue Proper 1. Loose CT (Areolar) 2. Dense CT a. Regular B. Irregular 2. Adipose CT (Fat) 3. Elastic 4. Reticular

Areolar (“Loose Connective”) Functions: 1. Binds organs 2. Fills spaces between muscles Location: 1. Beneath skin/epithelium 2. Between muscles

Adipose Tissue Functions: 1. Protection 2. Insulation 3. Storage for energy Locations: 1. Beneath skin 2. Around kidneys 3. Behind eyeballs 4. Surface of heart

Dense Regular Tissue Functions: 1. Binds organs together Locations: 1. Tendons 2. Ligaments 3. Deep dermis

Specialized Connective Tissue 1. Cartilage 2. Bone 3. Blood

Hyaline Cartilage Function: 1. Support 2. Protection 3. Framework Locations: 1. Nose 2. Ends of bones 3. Rings in respiratory passages (ex: trachea)

Elastic Cartilage Functions: 1. Support 2. Protection 3. Framework Location: 1. External ear 2. Parts of Larynx

Fibrocartilage Functions: 1. Support 2. Protection 3. Absorbs shock Locations: 1. Between vertebrae (spine) 2. Parts of pelvis 3. Menisci of knees

Bone Functions: 1. Support 2. Protection 3. Framework Location: 1. Bones of the skeleton

Blood Functions: 1. Transport substances 2. Maintains homeostasis Locations: 1. Within blood vessels and heart chambers

Dense Irregular Tissue Functions: 1. Protection Locations: 1. Deep dermis 2. Submucosa of intestinal tract (layer beneath lining)

Reticular Tissue Functions: 1. Support 2. Framework Locations: 1. Liver 2. Kidney 3. Spleen 4. Lymph Nodes 5. Bone Marrow

Elastic Tissue Functions: 1. Allows recoil Locations: 1. Blood Vessels 2. Some ligaments and tendons