KEEPING THE BODY TOGETHER CONNECTIVE TISSUE FUNCTIONS OF

KEEPING THE BODY TOGETHER CONNECTIVE TISSUE

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