Types of Connective Tissues – Flashcards

Gel like matrix with all three fiber types; cells: fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, & some white blood cells. Function: Wraps & cushions organs; its macrophages phagocytize bacteria; plays important role in inflammation. Location: directly underneath epithelial tissue, part of membranes, packages organs, and surrounds capillaries.

Very little matrix; closely packed adipocytes, have nucleus pushed to the side by large fat droplets. Function: Energy storage, insulates against heat loss and supports and protects organs. Location: subcutaneous fat layer, around kidneys, pads of fat around the eyes, within abdomen, and in breasts.

Loose network of reticular fibers in a gel-like ground substance; reticular cells lie on the network. Function: fibers form a loose framework (stroma) that support other cell types including white blood cells, mast cells, & macrophages. Location: lymph nodes, bone marrow and spleen.

Primarily parallel collagen fibers; a few elastic fibers; major cell type is fibroblasts. Poorly vascularized. Function: attaches muscles to bones; attaches bones to bones; withstands great tensile stress when pulling force is applied in one direction. Location: tendons ( muscle & bone), ligaments (bone & bone).

Primarily irregularly arranged collagen fibers; some elastic fibers; fibroblast is the major cell type. Function: able to withstand tension from many directions; provides structural strength. Location: dermis of the skin, joint capsules, submucosa of digestive tract.

One of four types of connective tissue- avascular and not innervated.

Firm matrix consisting of collagen fibers; Chondroblasts produce the matrix & when mature chondrocytes lie in lacunae. Function: firm, pliable, support, resists compressive stress. Location: Tip of the nose, rib cage, embryonic skeleton, Ends of long bones.

Similar to hyaline cartilage, but more elastic fibers in matrix. Function: maintains the shape of a structure while allowing great flexibility. Location: supports the external ear (pinna), epiglottis (flap in throat)

Blend of hyaline cartilage and dense connective tissue; collagen fibers predominate; rows of chondrocytes. Functions: provides support in areas of heavy pressure. Location: places subjected to a lot of pushing- intervertebral discs; pubic symphysis; discs of knee joint

Bone; well vascularized; Matrix is superhard containing collagen fibers (organic) & calcium salts (inorganic). Cells: Osteoblasts- make collagen fibers. Osteocytes-reside in lacunae Osteoclasts-large, break down bone material. Function: supports and protects; stores minerals.

Made of trabeculae ( thin plates of bone) Location: in enlarged ends of long bones and other internal areas.

Looks smooth & dense Location: exterior surface of long bones; shaft of long bones.

The structural unit of compact bone; Long cylinder of bone matrix, runs the shaft of the bone. Consists of a series of concentric tubes.

layers of matrix; looks like a ring when looking at it; 3 layers.

Carries blood vessels and nerves to the osteon.

Lie right angles to central canal

Crack like canals; Connect lacunae to each other and to the central canal.

Red and white blood cells in a fluid matrix (plasma) The fibers are dissolved until you cut yourself. Function: transport respiratory gases, nutrients, waste, and other substances.