Connective tissue

Connective tissue

1. Embryonic CT

   • Mesenchyme
     • -embryo -spindle-shaped - less collagen fibres
   • Mucous CT
     • -umblical cord -gelatin-like ECM (Wharton's jelly)

2. Specialised CT

   • Bone, cartilage, blood

3. CT proper

   • Dense CT
     • Regular
       • More fibres (collagen, arranged parallel)
       • Tendons, ligaments
       • Provides maximum strength
     • Irregular
       • More fibres (collagen) -less ground subst. and cells (fibroblasts)
       • Reticular dermis, submucosa
       • Fn: Provides strength, resistance to stretching
   • Loose CT (AREOLAR tissue)
     • -loosely arranged fibres -more ground subst.
     • papillary dermis, mucosa
     • Fn: Diffusion of O2/nutrients, immune defence