Objectives: 1. Describe the general characteristics and functions of connective tissue 2. Name the major types of connective tissue and relate each one to a particular organ

1. Binds structures together, provides support and protection, fills spaces, produces blood cells, and stores fat. 2. As a rule, the cells are widely separated by an extracellular matrix composed of an organic ground substance that contains fibers. Therefore, the matrix varies in consistency from solid to semifluid to fluid. 3. The matrix determines the properties of the connective tissue.

1. Collagen- gives fibers flexibility and strength 2. Elastin (yellow fibers)- not as strong as collagen but more elastic (thinner) 3. Reticular- very thin, highly branched, collagenous fibers that form delicate supporting networks.

1.Most abundant & widely distributed tissue in the body. 2.Located between tissues and organs, beneath the skin, tendons, ligaments, skin, lymphatic organs, liver, ends of long bones, external ear, between the vertebrae, skeleton, and blood vessels 3.Fascia = bands of fibrous connective tissue

1. Connects, binds and supports structures, 2. Protects & cushions organs and tissues, 3. Insulates (fat) and transports substances (blood).

1.Adipose 2.Bone 3.Hyaline cartilage 4.Blood

1. Honeycomb or chickenwire appearance 2. Cells are filled with fat droplets 3. Functions: a) Stores energy (fat) b) Insulates c) Supports & protects organs

1. Tree ring-like appearance 2. Cylindrical 3. Most rigid 4. Calcium salts deposited around protein fibers Functions: a) Supports & protects b) Mineral storage c) Fat storage d) Blood cell production

1. Most common type of cartilage 2. Matrix= glassy, white, opaque appearance 3. Found in the nose, at the ends of long bones and ribs, and in the trachea 4. Functions: a) Supports while providing flexibility b) Absorbs compression between bones in joints (articular cartilage) c) Holds open respiratory passages d) Most abundant type of cartilage in body

1. Matrix is called plasma (nonliving) 2. 2 types of cells: red (erythrocytes) and white (leukocytes) 3. Red carries O 2 4. White fights infection 5. Platelets= fragments of giant cells found in bone marrow

6. “Blood fibers”= protein molecules that become visible only during blood clotting 7. Function= transport vehicle for the cardiovascular system, carrying nutrients, wastes, respiratory gases, and many other substances 8. Blood is RED (always)!! The darkness depends upon the amount of oxygen it contains.