Connective Tissue

Tissue Types

Fundamentals:

• Most abundant tissue in the body
• Highly vascular and well nourished (exc cartilage)
• Composed of tightly fitted cells
  • More matrix than cells
• Does not occur on free surfaces of body cavities or on the surface of the body
• Derived from Mesoderm

Functions:

• Structural - bind, support and protect other tissues,
  • Attaches epithelium to underlying tissues and is the packing material that holds organs in place
• Storage
• Secretion

Composition/Anatomy:

• Cells: secrete the extracellular matrix
  • ExTc Matrix - composed of Ground and Fibers
• Ground: glue that holds the matrix together
• Fibers: typically collagen that gives the matrix its strength

Types of Fibers Produced by Fibroblasts:

• Protienaceous fibers of the types
• 1)Collagenous Fibers
• 2)Reticular Fibers
• 3)Elastic Fibers

Connective Tissue Types:

• Embryonic Connective Tissue
• Connective Tissue Proper
• Fluid Connective Tissue
• Supporting Connective Tissues