BY: Andrew Choe, Aviance Mckenzie, Jenna Goins, Centeria Lee

Function

Binds structures Provides support and protection Serves as framework Fills spaces Stores fat Produces red blood cells Protects against infections

Extracellular Matrix

Nickname: ECM It has molecules that modify

tissues to suit different organs. Composed of protein fibers, a

ground substance consisting of non-fibrous proteins and other molecules, and fluid.

Can be fluid, semi fluid, or solid.

Bone and cartilage are solid

Major cell types Fibroblasts

Star shaped Produces fibers by

secreting proteins into the ECM.

Most common type.

• Macrophages (histiocytes)•Originate as white blood cells•Specialized to carry on phagocytosis•Can move as a scavenger and defensive cells that clear foreign particles from tissue

Major Cell Types Mast Cells

Large and widely distributed in connective tissue

Usually near blood vessels

Release heparin and histamine

Connective Tissue Fibers Collagenous (white fiber)

Thick thread of protein collagenLong and parallel bundlesHold ligaments and tendons togetherMost abundant type of dense connective tissue

Elastic (yellow fibers)Protein named elastinThin fiber branches with complex networksCommon in body parts that stretch

ReticularThin highly branched Delicate supporting networks and many tissues

Categories of Connective Tissue

Connective Tissue ProperLoose connective

tissueDense connective

tissue

Specialized Connective TissueCartilageBoneBlood

Loose Connective Tissue Areolar

FibroblastsBinds skin to sub-

organsFills spaces between

muscles Adipose (fat)

Develop when cells store fat as droplets and enlarge

ReticularCollagenous FibersProvide framework for

some organs

Dense Connective Tissue

Composed of both collagenous and elastic fibers

Has few cells (mostly fibroblasts) Strong (withstand pulling forces) (parts

of tendons and ligaments) Poor blood supply causes slow tissue

repair

Cartilage

Provides support, framework, and protects underlying tissue

Cartilage ECM is abundant of collagenous fibers

Chondrocytes - cartilage cellsOccupy laucnae

Enclosed in perichondrium

Types of Cartilage Hyaline cartilage

Most common Fine collagenous fibers Found on bones and many joints Important in development of bones

Elastic cartilage Dense network Flexible Provides framework for ears and larynx

Fibrocartilage Tough Many collagenous fibers Shock absorber

Assessment

Bone Supports, protects, provides framework Used in bones of the skeleton Hard because of mineral salts Contains red marrow Stores and releases inorganic chemicals Bone matrix composed of lamellae

Forms central canals Osteocytes

Forms Ostion

Blood

Transports a variety of materials Helps maintain internal environment

conditions Composed of formed elements an blood

plasmaRed and white blood cellsPlatelets

Most form in red marrow