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
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
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