Connective Tissue
• The dense layer of the basal lamina of all epithelial
tissue is created by connective tissue.
• Connective tissue connects the epithelium to the
rest of the body.
Three Basic Components
1. Specialized cells
– Fibroblasts
– Adipocytes
2. Extracellular protein fibers
– Collagen fibers
– Reticular fibers
– Elastic fibers
3. A fluid known as ground substance
Functions of Connective Tissue
•
•
•
•
Establishing a structural framework for the body.
Transporting fluids and dissolved minerals.
Protecting delicate organs.
Supporting, surrounding, interconnecting other types
of tissue.
• Storing energy reserves
• Defending the body from invading microorganisms.
Classification of Connective Tissues
Classified based on their
physical properties. Three
categories:
• Connective Tissue
Proper
– Ex. Adipose tissue
• Fluid Connective Tissue
– Ex. Blood and Lymph
• Supportive Connective
Tissue
– Ex. Cartilage and bone
Connective Tissues
Connective Tissue Proper
LOOSE
Fibers create
loose, open
framework.
“Packing
materials”
• Adipose
• Areolar
• Reticular
DENSE
Fibers
densely
packed
• Dense
regular
• Dense
Irregular
• Elastic
Fluid Connective Tissues
BLOOD
LYMPH
Contained in
cardiovascular
system
Contained in
lymphatic
system
Supporting Connective
Tissues
CARTILAGE
Solid, rubbery
matrix
• Hyaline
• Elastic
• Fibrocartilage
BONE
Solid,
crystalline
matrix
Mesenchyme Tissue
• Function: Give rise to all
other connective tissues
of an embryo and all
various cell types of
adult connective tissue.
• Found in abundance
during early
development of most
animals.
Loose Connective Tissue
• Adipose Tissue
– Location: Deep to the skin,
especially at sides, buttocks,
padding around eyes and
kidneys
– Function: Provides padding,
insulates, stores energy
• Areolar Tissue
– Location: Under skin, in or
around mucous membranes,
around blood vessels and
nerves
– Functions: provides padding,
binds the outer layer to the
muscles beneath.
Dense Regular Connective Tissue
Ex. Tendons and
Ligaments
• Locations: Between
skeletal muscles and
skeleton; between
bones or internal
organs
• Functions: Provides firm
attachment, conducts
pull of muscles, reduces
friction
Elastic Tissue
• Location: Between
vertebrae of the spinal
column; in blood vessel
walls
• Functions: Stabilizes
positions of vertebrae;
cushions shocks
Cartilage
• The matrix of cartilage is a firm gel that contains
polysaccharide derivatives
• Chondrocytes- Cartilage cells, the only cells in the
cartilage matrix
• Lacunae- Small chambers that cartilage cells occupy
Hyaline Cartilage
• Locations: Between tips
of ribs and bones of
sternum; supporting
larynx, trachea, and
bronchi
• Functions: Provides stiff
but flexible support,
reduces friction
between bony surfaces
Elastic Cartilage
• Locations: In the ear
and in the trachea
• Functions: Provides
support, but tolerates
distortion without
damage and returns to
original shape
Fibrous Cartilage
• Locations: Pads within
knee joint; between
pubic bones of pelvis;
intervertebral discs
• Functions: Resists
compression; prevents
bone-to-bone contact;
limits relative
movement