CONNECTIVE TISSUES

• What does connective tissue provide for other tissues and cells?

  It supports and connects them to form organs
• What role does interstitial fluid play in connective tissue?

  It provides metabolic support and facilitates diffusion
• What is the main component of connective tissue?

  Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
• What are the protein fibers found in connective tissue?

  Collagen and elastic fibers
• What is ground substance in connective tissue?

  It is a complex of proteoglycans and glycoproteins
• From what do all connective tissues originate?

  Embryonic mesenchyme
• What are mesenchymal cells?

  Undifferentiated cells with large nuclei
• What are the main functions of connective tissues?

  1. Attachment of one tissue to another
  2. Transport of materials
  3. Storage of materials
  4. Involvement in immunity
• What are mesenchymal cells also known as?

  Progenitor stem cells
• What do reticular cells do in connective tissue?

  They form a network for fluid passage
• What is the role of fibroblasts in connective tissue?

  They produce and maintain extracellular components
• What do adipocytes specialize in?

  Storage of lipid as neutral fats
• What are macrophages derived from?

  Monocytes circulating in the blood
• What is the primary function of macrophages?

  Phagocytosis of dead cells and debris
• What do mast cells release during allergic reactions?

  Vasoactive agents and other substances
• What is heparin's role released by mast cells?

  Acts locally as an anticoagulant
• What does histamine do during inflammation?

  Increases vascular permeability and muscle contraction
• What is the lifespan of plasma cells?

  10-20 days
• What is ground substance in connective tissue?

  Amorphous gel that fills space between cells
• What are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)?

  Long polysaccharides consisting of disaccharide units
• What do proteoglycans do in ground substance?

  Bind water and regulate fibroblast proliferation
• What are the three main types of fibers in connective tissue?

  Collagen, reticular, and elastic fibers
• What are collagen fibers known for?

  Being strong and resistant to shearing forces
• What type of collagen is the most abundant?

  Type I collagen
• What is the function of reticular fibers?

  Provide mechanical support for wandering cells
• What do elastic fibers allow tissues to do?

  Stretch and return to original shape
• What are the divisions of connective tissue?

  1. Connective Tissue Proper

  • Loose or Areolar
  • Elastic
  • Dense (Irregular and Regular)
  • Reticular

  1. Embryonic Connective Tissues

  • Mucoid
  • Mesenchyme

  1. Specialized Connective Tissues

  • Adipose
  • Cartilage
  • Bone
  • Blood
• What characterizes loose connective tissue?

  Equal parts of cells, fibers, and ground substance
• What is the primary function of dense connective tissue?

  Offer stress resistance and protection
• What is the structure of dense irregular connective tissue?

  Randomly interwoven collagen fibers
• What is the function of dense regular connective tissue?

  Provide strong connections in the musculoskeletal system
• What is mucoid connective tissue primarily found in?

  The fetal umbilical cord
• What does mesenchyme form?

  All types of connective tissues
• What are specialized connective tissues?

  Connective tissues with specific functions