Study Set Content:
- are cells that form fibrous connective tissue, and fibrocytes maintain it.
Fibroblasts
- form cartilage and chondrocytes maintain it.
Chondroblasts
- are large cells that are capable of moving about and ingesting foreign substances, including microorganisms in the connective tissue.
Macrophages
- are nonmotile cells that release chemicals, such as histamine, that promote inflammation.
Mast cells
The extracellular matrix of connective tissue has three major components:
- protein fibers, ground substance, and fluid.
- consists of non-fibrous protein and other molecules.
Ground substance
- responsible for the functional characteristics of connective tissues – for example, they enable bones and cartilage to bear weight.
Structure of the matrix
Three types of protein fibers:
- collagen, reticular, and elastic – help form most connective tissues.
- which resemble microscopic ropes, are very flexible but resist stretching.
Collagen fibers
- are very fine, short collagen fibers that branch to form a supporting network.
Reticular fibers
have the ability to return to their original shape after being stretched or compressed, giving tissue an elastic quality.
Elastic fibers
- consists of non-fibrous molecules and is shapeless
ground substance
Matrix Ground Substance consists of
Proteoglycans
- trap large quantities of water between the polysaccharides, which allows them to return to their original shape when compressed or deformed.
Proteoglycans
The two main types of connective tissue are
- embryonic and adult connective tissue.
- consists of relatively few protein fibers that form a lacy network, with numerous spaced filled with ground substance and fluid.
Loose connective tissue
primarily consists of collagen fibers and a few elastic fibers.
Areolar connective tissue
weeks of development, most of the embryonic connective tissue has become specialized to form the types of connective tissue seen in adults.
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The most common cells in loose connective tissue are the
fibroblasts
- consists of adipocytes, or fat cells, which contain large amounts of lipid for energy storage.
Adipose tissue
