Let's learn about connective tissue
The major categories of tissue are epithelium muscle nervous and connective
We will focus on connective tissue
If we were to summarize connective tissue we could say that
it's basic structure is cells embedded in a matrix�a bit like cranberries in jello
one type of connective tissue cells is the fibroblast
Types of connective tissue include loose dense adipose and reticular
There is also a category of special connective tissue consisting of bone, blood and cartilage
Let�s begin with loose connective tissue Loose connective tissue is sometimes called
areolar connective tissue Adipose and reticular connective tissue can
also be categorized as loose connective tissue
Areolar connective tissue is found throughout the body
It is found in many of the membranes surrounding organs as well as surrounding blood vessels
and nerves
Adipose tissue contains fat cells called adipocytes These cells contain lipid and act as an energy
storage system.
Dense or fibrous connective tissue is found in ligaments and tendons.
It contains strong collagen fibers.
Reticular connective tissue contains small, branching fibers.
Reticular connective tissue is found in the liver, kidneys, lymph nodes and spleen.
Remember that special connective tissue consists of bone, blood and cartilage.
Bone tissue contains structural units called Haversian systems or osteons.
These units form a hardened mineral substance from calcium, phosphate and magnesium.
The cells in bone are called osteoblasts.
Blood is also a connective tissue.
Blood contains a variety of cells.
These include�.red blood cells�.white blood cells�platelets.
The blood cells are suspended in a fluid matrix called plasma.
There are 3 types of cartilage.
These include hyaline cartilage fibrocartilage and elastic cartilage.
Hyaline cartilage has a distinctive appearance.
It consists of cells called chondrocytes with a hollow chamber around them called a lacuna.
The matrix has a ground glass appearance and contains chondroitin sulfate and collagen.
Hyaline cartilage is found at the ends of bones as articular cartilage and in the larynx,
trachea and bronchi.
Fibrocartilage contains chondrocytes and collagen fibers.
The discs in your spine contain fibrocartilage.
It can also be found in the symphysis pubis, and the knee cartilage.
Elastic cartilage contains chondrocytes and elastic fibers.
Elastic cartilage can be found in the ear and epiglottis.
We hope you have learned something about connective tissue and see you next time.