SPECIALIZED CT

• What are fat-storing cells called?

  Adipocytes
• Where are adipocytes typically found?

  In loose or dense irregular connective tissue
• What percentage of body weight does adipose tissue represent in men?

  15%-20%
• What is one function of adipose tissue?

  Energy storage
• What is the primary type of adipose tissue specialized for long-term energy storage?

  White / Yellow Adipose Tissue
• Where does excess fat accumulate in females?

  Breast
• Where does excess fat accumulate in males?

  Abdomen
• What gives brown adipose tissue its color?

  Abundant mitochondria and cytochrome pigment
• What is the main function of brown adipose tissue?

  Heat production
• What is cartilage characterized by?

  High concentrations of GAGs and proteoglycans
• What is the main component of cartilage matrix?

  Hyaluronic acid
• What is one function of cartilage?

  Shock absorbers in joints
• What are mature cartilage cells called?

  Chondrocytes
• What type of cartilage is the most abundant?

  Hyaline cartilage
• Where is hyaline cartilage found?

  In the embryo and growing children
• What type of fibers compose hyaline cartilage?

  Type II collagen fibers
• What is the function of elastic cartilage?

  Provides strength and elasticity
• What is fibrocartilage a combination of?

  Hyaline cartilage and dense connective tissue
• Where is fibrocartilage found?

  In intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis
• What is the main function of bone tissue?

  Provides solid support for the body
• What is the main component of the adult skeleton?

  Bone tissue
• What is one function of bones related to minerals?

  Reservoir for calcium and phosphate
• What are the three main cellular components of bone?

  Osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts
• What do osteoblasts produce?

  Organic components of the bone matrix
• What do osteocytes do?

  Maintain bone matrix and communicate
• What is the role of osteoclasts?

  Resorb bone matrix during remodeling
• What is the main component of the bone matrix?

  Calcium hydroxyapatite
• What is the function of compact bone?

  Support and protect the body
• What percentage of total bone mass does compact bone represent?

  80%
• What is the periosteum?

  Membrane covering outer surfaces of bones
• What is the functional unit of bone called?

  Osteon / Haversian system
• What is the function of cancellous bone?

  Provide structural support and flexibility
• What is woven bone characterized by?

  Random disposition of Type I collagen fibers
• What is lamellar bone?

  Remodeled from woven bone
• What is the Haversian canal responsible for?

  Blood supply to osteocytes
• What do perforating/Volkmann’s canals do?

  Communicate between central canal and periosteum
• What are lacunae?

  Cavities containing osteocytes
• What is the function of canaliculi?

  Route nutrients to osteocytes
• What are the two processes of osteogenesis?

  Intramembranous and endochondral ossification
• What is intramembranous ossification?

  Osteoblasts differentiate from mesenchyme