Objectives
CONNECTIVE TISSUES
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practical_1_photos.htm
1. Name the four major tissue types and
their subcategories. (b. connective)
2. Explain the structure and function of the
connective tissue.
3. Give the chief locations of the connective
tissue in the body.
4. Be able to identify connective tissue.
CONNECTIVE TISSUES
COMPOSITION OF CT
3 components:
1. Matrix – “cement” which holds
components together
2. Cells – type varies based on type of
tissue
3. Fibers – reinforce;
a. Collagen – white
b. Elastin – yellow
c. Reticular – fine texture ; black
• Functions: support, bind and protect
structures
• Mostly vascular (contain blood vessels)
• Tendons, ligaments & cartilage are
avascular
1. Bone / Osseous
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Contain variety of bone cells:
Osteocytes – mature bone cells
Osteoblast – immature bone cells
Osteoclast – break down & reabsorb bone
material
• Surrounded by a hard matrix of Ca &
collagen
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2. Cartilage
• Contain cells called chondrocytes
• A. Hyaline – collagen fibers with clear
glassy matrix (may have blue appearance)
• Found in larynx, ribs, nose, trachea,
pharynx, bronchi, embryonic skeleton
• B. Elastic – found in
external ear, larynx &
epiglottis
3. Dense Fibrous or Connective
• C. Fibrocartilage –
found in intervertebral
disk
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Collagen fibers in matrix
Contains fiber forming cells called fibroblasts
Two types based on arrangement of fibers
A. Regular fibrous – fibers run parallel providing
strength; found in tendons & ligaments
• B. Irregular fibrous – fibers run nonparallel
restricting movement; found enclosing organs &
dermis of skin
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4. Loose Connective
• A. Areolar – few cells; collagen, elastin &
reticular fibers; gel like matrix
• Forms lamina propia – soft layer that
underlies mucus membranes
• Provides water & salts for surrounding
tissues, nutrients & waste removal, wraps
& cushions organs
• Edema – condition in which tissues soak
excess fluid
• B. Adipose – gel like matrix, oil droplet
displaces the nucleus creating a ring
• Insulates body, protects organs & energy
reserve
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• C. Reticular – interwoven reticular fibers
with reticular cells
• Found in lymph nodes, spleen & bone
marrow
RETICULAR
• D. Blood
• Blood cells surrounded by liquid matrix called
plasma
• Fibers are proteins that are only visible when
blood clots form
• 3 cells:
• Erythrocytes – rbc
• Leukocytes – wbc
• Thrombocytes – platelets
• Transport oxygen, nutrients & wastes
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