CONNECTIVE TISSUEKEEPING THE BODY TOGETHER

FUNCTIONS OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE: Interconnection of tissues Support and motion Storage Cushioning and insulation Enclosing and separating Transport protection

CHARACTERISTICS OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE Cells produce and maintain a matrix The cells are not usually touching –

they sit within the matrix they produce The matrix allows connective tissue to

perform its job

WHAT IS A MATRIX? The acellular substance of a tissue The matrix is made by the cells of that tissue The matrix gives the tissue its qualities

This is the cell

LOOSE CONNECTIVE TISSUE Large spaces between fibers filled with

fluid or cells Examples: Areolar, adipose, and

reticular

ADIPOSE TISSUE (FAT) Little extracellular matrix Adipocytes filled with lipids Function: storage, thermal insulation,

cushioning Found: below skin, yellow bone

marrow, in spaces and crevices

AREOLAR TISSUE: Has a fine network of fibers Contains fibroblasts, macrophages, and

lymphocytes Function: support and nourishment Found: Around and between muscles,

vessels, nerves, and organs

RETICULAR TISSUE Fine network of reticular fibers irregularly

arranged Spaces contain macrophages and blood cells Function: provides structure for lymphatic

tissue and red bone marrow

Found around the liver, spleen, kidneys, lymph nodes, and bone marrow

DENSE CONNECTIVE TISSUE - REGULAR Densely packed fibers with little space

in between Fibers are mostly collagen Fibers run in one direction

CONTINUED… Functions: withstand tremendous

pulling forces in the direction of the fibers, stretch resistance

Found: in tendons and ligaments

DENSE IRREGULAR CONNECTIVE TISSUE Fibers run in several directions Function: provide strength in many

directions, but not as strong in a single direction as DRCT

Found: organ capsules, the dermis of the skin

ELASTIC CONNECTIVE TISSUE Matrix made of elastic and collagen fibers Function: able to stretch and recoil Found in: walls of arteries, elastic

ligaments in the spine

HYALINE CARTILAGE Collagen fibers in a firm, flexible matrix Chondrocytes (the cartilage cells) sit in

lacunae Function: growth of long bones,

support and flexibility in trachea, bronchi, ribs, and nose

Makes up the embryonic skeleton Covers articulating surfaces

CONTINUED. . . . Found: ends of long bones, articular

surfaces, ribs, nose, respiratory system, and the embryonic skeleton

FIBROCARTILAGE Numerous collagen fibers in thick

bundles Function: withstand pressure,

connects structures subjected to great pressure

Found: intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, knee, temporomandibular joint

ELASTIC CARTILAGE Similar to hyaline cartilage but matrix

also has elastic fibers Function: rigidity with flexibility, can

stretch and return to original shape Found: external ear structure,

epiglottis, auditory tubes

BONE Hard connective tissue made by

cells(osteocytes) that sit in a mineralized matrix

Function: provide great strength and support, protection, movement

Found: the skeleton

BLOOD Liquid connective tissue Blood cells are in a fluid matrix called

plasma. Function: transport, protection,

temperature regulation