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Connective Tissue in Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the three main components of all connective tissues?
    Specialized cells, extracellular protein fibers, and matrix.
  • What is the matrix in connective tissue?
    The matrix is the extracellular component made of protein fibers and ground substance; in bone, it is calcified.
  • Name the two categories of cells in connective tissue and their general functions.
    Fixed cells maintain and support tissue; wandering cells defend and repair tissue.
  • What are the three major categories of connective tissue?
    Connective Tissue Proper, Fluid Connective Tissue, and Supporting Connective Tissue.
  • What types of fibers are found in connective tissue proper?
    Collagen fibers (tensile strength), reticular fibers (supportive network), and elastic fibers (stretch and recoil).
  • What are the two subtypes of connective tissue proper based on fiber density?
    Loose connective tissue (fibers loosely arranged) and dense connective tissue (fibers densely packed).
  • Where is areolar tissue found and what is its function?
    Located deep in the dermis and between muscles; cushions organs and provides support with independent movement.
  • What are the two types of adipose tissue and their functions?
    White fat stores energy and cushions; brown fat generates heat, especially in infants.
  • What is the function of reticular tissue and where is it found?
    Provides a supporting framework; found in liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.
  • Describe dense regular connective tissue and its locations.
    Collagen fibers aligned parallel to resist tension in one direction; found in tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses.
  • How does dense irregular connective tissue differ from dense regular?
    Collagen fibers arranged in multiple directions to resist stress from many angles; found in dermis and organ capsules.
  • What are the components and functions of blood as a fluid connective tissue?
    Contains erythrocytes (oxygen transport), leukocytes (immune defense), platelets (clotting), and plasma as matrix.
  • What is the role of lymph in connective tissue?
    Lymph contains lymphocytes and participates in immune responses within the lymphatic system.
  • What characterizes cartilage as a supporting connective tissue?
    Cartilage has chondrocytes in lacunae, a gel matrix with chondroitin sulfates, is avascular, and covered by a fibrous perichondrium.
  • What are the three types of cartilage and their primary functions?
    Hyaline cartilage: flexible support and reduces friction; elastic cartilage: flexible and returns to shape; fibrous cartilage: resists compression and absorbs shock.
  • What is the structure and function of bone as a supporting connective tissue?
    Bone has a solid matrix called lamellae, is covered by periosteum, and provides support and strength.
  • What are osteons and their components?
    Osteons are structural units of compact bone, consisting of central canal, osteocytes in lacunae, canaliculi, and lamellae matrix.
  • What are the four types of membranes formed by epithelia and connective tissue?
    Mucous, serous, cutaneous, and synovial membranes.
  • What is the function of mucous membranes and where are they found?
    Line digestive, respiratory, reproductive, and urinary tracts; keep surfaces moist and resist pathogen entry.
  • What are serous membranes and their three types?
    Line body cavities; include pleura (lungs), peritoneum (abdominal cavity), and pericardium (heart); produce transudate fluid.