connective tissue

• What are the four basic tissue types of animal tissue?

  Epithelium, muscle, nervous, and connective tissue
• What is connective tissue primarily made up of?

  A material made up of fibers forming a framework and support structure for body tissues and organs
• From which germ cell layer is connective tissue derived?

  Mesoderm
• What components make up the extracellular matrix of connective tissue?

  Fibers, ground substance (proteoglycans and glycoproteins), and interstitial fluid
• What are the functions of connective tissue?

  Structural, mechanical, protective, transport of nutrients/metabolites, storage of energy, defense against pathogens, tissue repair, thermogenesis, and insulation
• What are the three main types of fibers in the extracellular matrix (ECM)?


  • Collagenous fibers
  • Elastic fibers
  • Reticular fibers
• What is the role of fibroblasts in connective tissue?

  They are responsible for synthesis, maintenance, and turnover of the ECM
• What is the most common type of cell found in connective tissue?

  Fibroblasts
• What are the subcategories of connective tissue proper?

  • Loose connective tissue
  • Dense connective tissue
• How does dense connective tissue differ from loose connective tissue?

  Dense connective tissue has more fibers and less space between fibers for interstitial fluid
• What are the types of loose connective tissue?

  Areola, adipose, and reticular tissue
• What is the primary function of adipose tissue?

  Energy storage, insulation, and protection of major organs
• What is the function of reticular tissue?

  It provides support and holds tissue together
• What are the subcategories of dense connective tissue?

  • Regular
  • Irregular
  • Elastic
• What is the function of tendons?

  They connect muscle to bone
• What is the largest tendon in the human body?

  Achilles tendon
• What is the primary role of ligaments?

  They connect bone to bone and reinforce joints
• What is a common injury associated with tendons?

  Tendon rupture
• What is the function of the anterior cruciate ligament?

  It connects the femur to the tibia and aids in the back and forth movement of the lower leg
• What is a serious consequence of an anterior cruciate ligament tear?

  It is often career-threatening and usually requires surgery
• What role do the collateral ligaments play in the knee?

  • Prevent excessive sideways movement (abduction)
  • Provide structural support and flexibility
• What is Marfan syndrome?


  A genetic disorder of connective tissue caused by a defect in the Fibrillin gene
• What are common symptoms of Marfan syndrome?

  Tall stature, long bones, elastic skin, hyper-flexibility of joints, flat feet, and high arched palate
• What are the three types of cartilage?

  Hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage
• What is the primary function of bone?

  It provides protective and supportive functions, and produces blood cells
• What are the main components of bone?

  Cells, organic matter, and inorganic matter (hydroxyapatite)
• What is the role of osteoblasts?

  They are responsible for the formation and mineralization of bone
• What is the function of osteoclasts?

  They break down and reabsorb bone
• What is rickets?

  A weakening of bones during development, commonly caused by vitamin D insufficiency
• What is osteoporosis?


  A condition characterized by bone weakening with age
• What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

  Nonmodifiable:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Hereditary factors

  
  

  Modifiable:

  • Alcoholism
  • Vitamin D insufficiency
  • Smoking
  • Poor diet
  • Previous fractures
  • Overtraining
  • Heavy metal exposure
• What are the three major sites of fracture in osteoporosis?

  Thoracic spine, wrist, and hip
• What is the summary of connective tissues?

  • Diverse structures and functions depending on anatomical location
  • Provide support, stability, and cushioning
  • ECM is secreted by connective tissue cells
  • Bone ECM contains mineral salts for hardness and rigidity