Connective Tissue

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Features of Connective Tissue:

• most abundant tissue in the body

• binds together and supports other body tissues

• protects and insulates internal organs

• acts in transporting nutrients

• stores energy

• consists of 3 basic elements- cells, ground substance and fibers

• ground substance and fibers form the matrix

• connective tissue cells are separated by the matrix

• most have a nerve supply except for cartilage

• highly vascular for the most part except for cartilage and tendons

• matrix can be fluid, semifluid, gelatinous or calcified.

• different types of fibers that are embedded in the matrix give CT different properties

Major Types of Connective Tissue Cells:

( ending in blast - immature class: divide and secrete into the matrix. 
  ending in cyte - mature cells formed from blasts run the matrix)

 

1. Fibroblasts - greatest in numbers. Produce different kinds of fibers in CT like elastin and colloagen

2. Macrophages - macro means large, phagein means to eat- engulf bacteria and debris by phagocytosis

3. Plasma Cells- secrete antibodies for immunity

4. Mast Cells - release histamine which is part of the inflammatory process

5. Adipocytes and leukocytes(white blood cells) are also present in CT

Connective Tissue Matrix

Ground Substance -can change forms. Can be a fluid, gel or solid.  Healthy ground substance is gelatinous and can absorb forces from movement of the body and is like a shock absorber.  When ground substance is thicker the myofascia tightens.  Ground substance provides space between CT fibers to prevent adhesions.

Fibers - Collagen, Elastic, Reticular

 

Types of Connective Tissue

1. Loose Connective Tissue- loosely woven. 
   Areolar found in the skin, blood vessels, mucous membranes. strength, elasticity and support. }
    
   "'Loose' connective tissue forms a network extending throughout the body including subcutaneous and interstitial connective tissues. The existence of a cellular network of fibroblasts within loose connective tissue may have considerable significance as it may support yet unknown body-wide cellular signaling systems. ...Our findings indicate that soft tissue fibroblasts form an extensively interconnected cellular network, suggesting they may have important, and so far unsuspected integrative functions at the level of the whole body." (Langevin et. al. 2004)
   
   Adiopose - fat tissue stores triglycerides. Reticular CT forms organs.

2. Dense Connective Tissue- have more fibers and fewer fibers than  loose CT. 
   Dense regular CT - ordered, parallel CT gives strength. Found in tendons and ligaments.
   Dense Irregular CT - collagen without order. found in skin
   Elastic CT- freely branching elastic fibers in lungs and arteries.

3. Cartilage- tough connective tissue.  Ground substance is condroitin sulfate. No blood vessels or nerves.
   Hyaline Cartilage- covers ends of long bones
   Fibrocartilage- intervertebral discs
   Elastic Cartilage - external ear
   
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