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• What is the primary function of connective tissue?

  Support and connect other tissues
• What is the major constituent of connective tissue?

  The extracellular matrix (ECM)
• What are the three components of connective tissue?

  • Cells
  • Ground substance
  • Fibers
• From what embryonic tissue does connective tissue originate?

  Embryonic mesenchyme
• What is one function of connective tissue related to tissue attachment?

  Attachment of one tissue to another
• How does connective tissue defend the body?

  Through the immune system
• What structural role does connective tissue play in the body?

  Establishing a structural framework
• What are fibroblasts?

  The major cells of connective tissue proper
• What is the shape and function of fibroblasts?

  Elongated, irregularly shaped cells that synthesize ECM
• What is the role of growth factors in fibroblasts?

  Influence cell growth and differentiation
• What is a myofibroblast?

  A fibroblast involved in wound healing
• Why do connective tissue stains appear visible?

  Due to fibroblasts containing RER and Golgi apparatus
• How does a fibrocyte differ from a fibroblast?

  Fibrocyte is inactive and smaller
• What are adipocytes specialized for?

  Storage of triglycerides
• What is mesenchyme?

  Embryological tissue for connective tissue
• What is the shape of mesenchymal cells?

  Irregular, star or spindle-shaped
• What is the function of macrophages in connective tissue?

  Phagocytosis and ECM turnover
• What are the major locations and functions of the mononuclear phagocyte system?

  • Monocyte: Blood, precursor of macrophages
  • Macrophage: Connective tissue, inflammation, antigen processing
  • Kupffer Cell: Liver, same as macrophages
  • Microglial Cell: CNS, same as macrophages
  • Langerhans Cell: Epidermis, antigen processing
  • Dendritic Cell: Lymph nodes, antigen processing
  • Osteoclast: Bone, digestion of bone matrix
  • Multinuclear Giant Cell: Connective tissue, digestion of foreign bodies
• What do mast cells release during allergic reactions?

  Vasoactive agents and substances
• What do plasma cells specialize in?

  Secretion of specific antibodies
• What is the role of leukocytes in connective tissue?

  Surveillance against bacterial invaders
• What are the two types of cells in connective tissue?

  • Wandering Cells: Macrophages, mast cells, plasma cells, leukocytes
  • Fixed/Resident Cells: Mesenchymal cells, fibroblasts/fibrocytes, adipocytes
• What is the ground substance in connective tissue?

  A semi-solid gel filling space between cells
• What are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)?

  Long polymers of repeating disaccharide units
• What is the function of proteoglycans in connective tissue?

  Bind to hyaluronic acid and other matrix molecules
• What is fibronectin's role in connective tissue?

  Forms insoluble fibrillar networks
• What is the function of laminin in connective tissue?

  Provides adhesion for epithelial and other cells
• What are the three main types of fibers in connective tissue?

  • Collagen
  • Reticular
  • Elastic Fibers
• What is the most abundant protein in the human body?

  Collagen
• What is the evolutionary significance of collagen?

  Forms strong extracellular fibers and networks
• How is collagen secreted into the extracellular matrix?

  As a tropocollagen monomer
• What are the types of collagens?

  • Type I: Most abundant, found in skin, bone
  • Type II: Found in cartilage
  • Type III: Found in reticular fibers
  • Type IV: Found in basal laminae
  • Type V: Found in cell surfaces, hair, and placenta
• What type of networks do connective tissues form?

  Insoluble fibrillar networks
• What are the binding sites of laminin?

  Integrins, type IV collagen, proteoglycans
• What are the three main types of connective tissue fibers?

  • Collagen
  • Reticular
  • Elastic Fibers
• What is the main fiber type found in most supporting tissues?

  Collagen
• Why were collagens selected during evolution?

  For their ability to form strong extracellular fibers
• What is the form in which collagen is secreted into the extracellular matrix?

  Tropocollagen monomer
• Where is type I collagen primarily found?

  Fibrous supporting tissue, skin, tendons
• How do type I collagen fibers appear under a light microscope?

  They stain pink with H&E