Connective Tissue

Connective Tissue

1. abundant, found in every organ

2. cells separated by extracellular matrix

   • protein fibers
     • collagen
     • reticular
     • elastic
   • ground substance
     • hyaluronic acid
     • proteoglycans
     • adhesive molecules
       • chondronectin
       • osteonectin
       • fibronectin

3. diverse

   • cells of connective tissue
     • adipose/fat cells (adipocytes)
     • mast cells
     • leukocytes
     • macrophages
     • platelets
     • undifferentiated mesenchyme

4. variety of important functions

   • support & movement
     • bones & cartilage
   • cushion & insulate
     • fat
   • transport
     • blood
   • protect
     • cells of immune system
   • connect tissues to one another
     • tendons & ligaments
   • storage
     • fat
     • bone
   • enclose organ as capsule & form layers that separate organs

5. classification

   • embryonic collective tissue
     • mesenchyme
     • mucous connective tissue
   • adult connective tissue
     • fluid connective tissue
       • blood
         • RBC
         • WBC
       • homopoietic tissue
         • yellow mrowar
         • red marrow
     • supporting connective tissue
       • cartillage (semi solid matrix)
         • hyaline
         • elastic
         • fibrocartilage
       • bone (solid matrix)
         • spongy
         • compact
     • connective tissue proper
       • loose
         • areolar
         • reticular
         • adipose
       • dense
         • regular collagenous
         • regular elastic
         • irregular collagenous
         • irregular elastic