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Connective Tissue - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the three basic components of connective tissue?
    Specialized cells, extracellular protein fibers, and fluid (ground substance).
  • What is the main function of connective tissue?
    Provides structural framework, transport, protection of organs, support, connection of other tissues, and energy storage.
  • Name the three types of connective tissue based on structure.
    Connective tissue proper, fluid connective tissues, and supporting connective tissue.
  • What characterizes fluid connective tissues?
    They have a watery matrix with suspended proteins and usually minimal or no fibers, e.g., blood and lymph.
  • What is the composition of bone (osseous) tissue matrix?
    Mostly calcium phosphate and some calcium carbonate (about 2/3 of matrix), with many collagen fibers for flexibility.
  • What are the main fiber types found in connective tissue?
    Collagen (strong tensile strength), elastin (elasticity), and reticular fibers (supportive network).
  • What is the role of fibroblast cells in connective tissue?
    They produce the fibers and ground substance of the extracellular matrix.
  • What distinguishes fixed cells from wandering cells in connective tissue?
    Fixed cells are embedded in dense ground substance and maintain tissue, while wandering cells move and function in defense and repair.
  • Name the three types of loose connective tissue.
    Areolar (most common, packing material), adipose (fat storage), and reticular (supportive framework in organs).
  • What are the three types of dense connective tissue?
    Dense regular (parallel collagen fibers), dense irregular (random collagen fibers), and elastic (more elastic fibers).
  • What is the matrix composition of cartilage?
    A firm gel containing polysaccharide derivatives called chondroitin sulfates combined with proteins to form proteoglycans.
  • What are the three types of cartilage?
    Hyaline, elastic, and fibrous cartilage.
  • Where is hyaline cartilage found and what is its function?
    Between ribs and sternum, covering bones in joints, and respiratory system; provides stiff but flexible support and reduces friction.
  • What is the main characteristic of elastic cartilage?
    Supports structures like the external ear with increased flexibility due to more elastic fibers.
  • What is the function of fibrous cartilage?
    Resists compression, prevents bone-to-bone contact, and limits movement; found in knee joints, pubic bones, and intervertebral discs.
  • What is the function of reticular fibers in connective tissue?
    They form a supportive network for cells in organs like bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes.
  • What is the ground substance in connective tissue proper composed of?
    A viscous, clear substance due to glycoproteins and proteoglycans.
  • What are the main cell types in connective tissue proper?
    Fixed cells (e.g., melanocytes, mast cells, adipocytes) and wandering cells (e.g., lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils).
  • What is the significance of collagen fibers in connective tissue?
    They have a tensile strength stronger than steel and provide structural support.
  • What is the difference between dense regular and dense irregular connective tissue?
    Dense regular has parallel collagen fibers for strength in one direction; dense irregular has random fibers for strength in multiple directions.