D. Connective tissues
1. General features
a. Most abundant tissue in the
body
b. Has three basic elements: cells,
ground substances, and fibers
c. Do not occur on free surfaces
d. All but cartilage has nerves and
is highly vascularized
e. Matrix is secreted by cells and
determines qualities
2. Cells of connective tissues
a. All are derived from the
mesenchyme
1. Immature cells end in –blast,
mature cells end in –cyte
b. Fibroblasts, which secrete fibers
and matrix, macrophages (wbc),
mast cells, adipocytes and plasma
cells are common in all connective
tissues
3. Ground tissues of connective tissues
a. it contains hyaluronic acid,
chondraton sulfate, dermatin
sulfate, and keritin sulfate
b. Supports, binds, provides
exchange medium, and influences
cell function
4. Connective tissue fibers
a. 3 types of fibers provide
strength and support
1. Collagen fibers are tough
and resistant to stretching but
allow some flexibility
2. Elastic fibers of elastin
provide strength and
stretching capacity
3. Reticular fibers of
collagen and glycoprotein are
a support and framework
structure
5. Embryonic tissue
a. Embryonic connective tissue is
primarily in an embryos or a fetus
b. Mesenchyme, the primary and
exclusive tissue of an embryo, is
the source of all connective tissue
c. Mucous connective tissue is
found in the umbilical cord for
support
1. AKA Wharton’s Jelly