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Functions of Connective Tissue
- Packing Material
- Support
- Nutrients
- Insulation
- Protection
- Communication
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Characteristics of C.T.
- EC space >>> Cells
- Origin = Mesoderm
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Components of C.T.
- Fibroblasts
- Immune Cells
- - Macrophages
- - Mast Cells
- - Plasma Cell
- - Other
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Fibroblasts ~ Fibrocytes
- Most numerous
- Secrete ECM components
- R.E.R.
- Golgi
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Mast Cells
- Characterized by prominent secretory granules.
- Some secretory products : Histamine, Heparin, many others.
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Plasma Cells
- Secretes antibodies
- Derived from B-lymphocytes
- Characterized by "cartwheel" nucleus and R.E.R.
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Components of C.T.
- Extracellular Matrix
- - Ground Substance
- - Fibers
- Cells
- - Fibroblasts
- - Immune Cells
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Ground Substance
- Glycosaminoglycans
- Proteoglycans
- Proteins
- H20
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Fibers of C.T.
- Collagen - Striated Fibrils, Thick Bundles
- Elastic - Blood Vessels , Loose CT
- Reticular - Fibers form a delicate network, Web-like
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Collagen Fiber
- Collagen Types : Type 1 = most common
- Structure: Fibrils --> Fibers --> Double Helix
- X-links give strength
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Classification of C.T.
Loose - much of the space occupied by ground substance, lots of empty space
Dense - fiber occupies more space than cells and ground substance, less empty space. binds skin to muscle and CT
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C.T. Regular vs Irregular
- Dermis: Irregular - collagen bundles run in random directions
- Tendons: Regular - Fibers run parallel to eachother, found in tendons and ligaments.
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Collagenous vs. elastic
- Tendon - collagenous
- Ligament - elastic
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Embryonic ( vs. adult )
- Mucous (Wharton's Jelly) - protects and insulates umbilical cord.
- Mesenchyme - CT derived from all 3 germ layers, located within the embryo
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Special C.T.
- Skeletal CT - Bone, Cartilage
- Blood (Liquid CT)
- Adipose Tissue - HIGH Cell: ECM
- - Energy Reserves, Insulation, Highly Vascular
- - Brown Fat: thermogenesis, protection
- - Embryo, neonate
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