CONNECTIVE TISSUESPage 81 - 85

Functions

• Protection• Support• Binding together other body tissues

Characteristics

• Most connective tissues are vascularized (have good blood supply)• Ligaments and tendons are exceptions

• Contains extracellular matrix • nonliving substance found outside the cells• produced by the connective tissue

Types of Connective Tissue

• Bone = Osseous• Cartilage• Dense connective• Loose connective

• Areolar• Adipose• Reticular

• Blood

Bone / Osseous

• Cells are in cavities (lacunae)• Matrix – hard; contains calcium salts and collagen fibers

• Protects and supports

Bone / Osseous

Cartilage

• Matrix is more flexible made of collagen fiber hidden by a rubbery matrix with a glassy white appearance.

• Found in the larynx; covers ends of bones; attaches ribs to breastbone; skeleton of fetus

Cartilage

Dense Connective

• Main matrix are collagen fibers. More stretchy than cartilage matrix.

• Makes of tendons and ligaments.

Dense Connective

Loose Connective – Areolar Tissue

• Most widely distributed• Cushions organs• Has fluid matrix – appears to be empty space

• “cobwebby” tissue

Loose Connective – Areolar Tissue

Loose Connective – Adipose Tissue

• Fat tissue• Matrix – droblet of oil in cell• Cushions organs such as kidneys and eyes; found under the skin

Loose Connective – Adipose Tissue

Loose Connective – Reticular Tissue

• Matrix – delicate network of interwoven reticular fibers

• Support free blood cells in lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow

Loose Connective – Reticular Tissue

Blood

• Vascular tissue• Matrix – blood plasma• Transports wastes, respiratory gases, nutrients and other substances.

Blood