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Connective Tissue and Membranes in Anatomy & Physiology

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  • What are the three broad categories of connective tissue?

    Connective tissue is classified into three broad categories: connective tissue proper, supportive connective tissue, and fluid connective tissue.

  • What are the main types of protein fibers in connective tissue?

    The main protein fibers are collagen fibers (strong, resist force in one direction), reticular fibers (network, resist force in many directions), and elastic fibers (branched, return to original length after stretching).

  • What is the extracellular matrix in connective tissue composed of?

    The extracellular matrix consists of protein fibers and a fluid called ground substance, which varies depending on the connective tissue type.

  • What is mesenchyme and its function?

    Mesenchyme is an embryonic connective tissue with multipotent mesenchymal cells; it is the common origin for all other connective tissues.

  • What are the characteristics of areolar connective tissue?

    Areolar tissue is a loose connective tissue with elastic fibers, collagen fibers, fibroblasts, and ground substance; it supports and cushions organs.

  • What distinguishes adipose tissue from other connective tissues?

    Adipose tissue contains adipocytes that store fat, providing insulation, energy storage, and cushioning.

  • What is dense regular connective tissue?

    Dense regular connective tissue has parallel collagen fibers providing strength in one direction, found in tendons and ligaments.

  • How does dense irregular connective tissue differ from dense regular?

    Dense irregular connective tissue has collagen fibers in multiple directions, providing strength against forces from many directions, found in dermis and organ capsules.

  • What is the role of elastic connective tissue?

    Elastic connective tissue contains many elastic fibers allowing tissues to stretch and recoil, such as in elastic ligaments and large arteries.

  • What are the main functions of cartilage?

    Cartilage provides support, shock absorption, and protection, with a gel-like matrix and chondrocytes in lacunae.

  • Name the three types of cartilage and a key feature of each.

    Hyaline: most common, weakest, found in fetal skeleton and joints.
    Elastic: elastic fibers, flexible, found in ear and epiglottis.
    Fibrocartilage: dense collagen, very durable, found in intervertebral discs and menisci.

  • What is the periosteum and its layers?

    The periosteum is the tissue covering bone surface, with a fibrous outer layer and a cellular inner layer for growth and repair.

  • What composes the bone matrix?

    Bone matrix is calcified with calcium salts and contains collagen fibers for flexibility.

  • What are osteocytes and where are they located?

    Osteocytes are mature bone cells located in lacunae arranged around central canals within the bone matrix.

  • What are the four types of membranes in the body?

    The four types are mucous membranes, serous membranes, cutaneous membrane, and synovial membranes.

  • What is the function and location of mucous membranes?

    Mucous membranes line passageways with external connections, keeping surfaces moist to reduce friction and facilitate absorption and excretion.

  • What distinguishes serous membranes?

    Serous membranes line cavities not open to the outside, are thin but strong, and produce fluid to reduce friction between organs and cavity walls.

  • What is the cutaneous membrane?

    The cutaneous membrane is the skin, characterized as thick, waterproof, and dry.

  • What is the role of synovial membranes?

    Synovial membranes line joint cavities, produce synovial fluid for lubrication, and protect bone ends; they lack a true epithelium.

  • What are the two main types of neural cells?

    Neural tissue contains neurons (nerve cells) and neuroglia (supporting cells that repair and supply nutrients).