2. Function
Binds structures
Provides support and protection
Serves as framework
Fills spaces
Stores fat
Produces red blood cells
Protects against infections
3. Extracellular Matrix
Nickname: ECM
It has molecules that modify
tissues to suit different organs.
Composed of protein fibers, a
ground substance consisting of
non-fibrous proteins and other
molecules, and fluid.
Can be fluid, semi fluid, or solid.
Bone and cartilage are solid
4. Major cell types
Fibroblasts • Macrophages (histiocytes)
Star shaped •Originate as white
blood cells
Produces fibers by •Specialized to carry on
secreting proteins into the phagocytosis
ECM. •Can move as a
Most common type. scavenger and
defensive cells that
clear foreign particles
from tissue
5. Major Cell Types
Mast Cells
Large and widely
distributed in
connective tissue
Usually near blood
vessels
Release heparin and
histamine
6. Connective Tissue Fibers
Collagenous (white fiber)
Thick thread of protein collagen
Long and parallel bundles
Hold ligaments and tendons together
Most abundant type of dense connective tissue
Elastic (yellow fibers)
Protein named elastin
Thin fiber branches with complex networks
Common in body parts that stretch
Reticular
Thin highly branched
Delicate supporting networks and many tissues
8. Loose Connective Tissue
Areolar
Fibroblasts
Binds skin to sub-
organs
Fills spaces between
muscles
Adipose (fat)
Develop when cells
store fat as droplets
and enlarge
Reticular
Collagenous Fibers
Provide framework for
some organs
9. Dense Connective Tissue
Composed of both collagenous and
elastic fibers
Has few cells (mostly fibroblasts)
Strong (withstand pulling forces) (parts
of tendons and ligaments)
Poor blood supply causes slow tissue
repair
10. Cartilage
Provides support, framework, and
protects underlying tissue
Cartilage ECM is abundant of
collagenous fibers
Chondrocytes - cartilage cells
Occupy laucnae
Enclosed in perichondrium
11. Types of Cartilage
Hyaline cartilage
Most common
Fine collagenous fibers
Found on bones and many joints
Important in development of bones
Elastic cartilage
Dense network
Flexible
Provides framework for ears and larynx
Fibrocartilage
Tough
Many collagenous fibers
Shock absorber
13. Bone
Supports, protects, provides framework
Used in bones of the skeleton
Hard because of mineral salts
Contains red marrow
Stores and releases inorganic chemicals
Bone matrix composed of lamellae
Forms central canals
Osteocytes
Forms Ostion
14. Blood
Transports a variety of materials
Helps maintain internal environment
conditions
Composed of formed elements an blood
plasma
Red and white blood cells
Platelets
Most form in red marrow