Connective tissues support and bind together other structures throughout the body. They are composed of connective tissue cells, ground substance, and fibers. Connective tissues have few cells separated by an abundant intercellular substance containing fibers. Their main functions are to bind tissues, provide mechanical support, store fat and minerals, allow for metabolite exchange, and aid in repair and healing. Connective tissues are classified as connective tissue proper, which includes loose and dense connective tissues, and specialized connective tissues like cartilage, bone, and blood.

1. CONNECTIVE TISSUES

2. Supports and binds together other structural elements throughout the body

3. Components 1. Connective tissue cells 2. Ground substance 3. Connective tissue fibers 4. Blood vessels

4. General Characteristics 1. There are few cells that are set apart. 2. Abundant intercellular substance 3. Intercellular ground substance contains fibers

5. Functions 1. Binding of tissues and organs 2. Mechanical support 3. Storage of fat and certain minerals 4. Exchange of metabolites 5. Repair and healing of wounds 6. Protection against infection

6. Classification I. Connective Tissue Proper Loose connective Tissue Dense connective tissue II. Specialized Connective Tissue Cartilage Bone Blood

7. A. Loose Connective Tissue 1. Loose Areolar tissue - lamina propia - supporting tissue of organs - in between muscle fibers - subcutaneous layer of skin

10. 2. Adipose tissue - subcutaneous layer of skin - underneath linings of GIT

12. 3. Reticular Tissue - supporting stroma of highly cellular organs – endocrine glands lymph nodes liver

15. 4. Mucous tissue - Wharton’s jelly of umbilical cord

20. B. Dense connective tissue 1. Dense fibrous irregular - dermis of the skin - capsules of organs - tendon sheaths - urinary tract

26. 2. Dense fibrous regular - tendons - ligaments - fascia and aponeurosis - cornea

29. 3. Dense elastic tissue - ligaments - true vocal cords - stylohyoid ligaments - elastic arteries