1. Connective Tissue
Unlike the closely packed, uniform cells of epithelial tissues, the varied cells of C.T. are widely spaced within an intercellular matrix which determines the characteristic and function of each specific C.T.

2. Connective Tissue Intercellular Matrix Components:
Fibers
Collagen – tough, white fibers of
collagen protein
Elastin – yellowish, elastic fibers
Reticular – thin delicate fibers

3. Connective Tissue Intercellular Matrix Components:
Ground Substance
A semisolid gel containing water, glycoproteins, and other substances that are specific to particular C.T. types

4. Cells of Connective Tissue
Connective Tissues have a variety of cell types:
Mesenchymal cells- C.T. stem cells
Fibroblasts- immature C.T. cells that form the matrix
Fibrocytes- mature fibroblasts that no longer form matrix
Macrophages- phagocytic cells (neutrophils)
Mast Cells- secrete histamine and heparin for inflammatory response
Plasma Cells- lymphocytes that secrete antibodies and can move into connective tissues from the circulation

26. Composition of Blood Formed Elements = 45% of Blood Volume
Erythrocytes – red blood cells
Leukocytes – white blood cells
Thrombocytes - platelets
Plasma – blood’s liquid portion
Water – 91%
Protein – albumin, fibrinogens, globulins
Other solutes – nutrients, waste, gasses, electrolytes, hormones, steroids

30. Inflammatory Response
Inflammatory Response | Khan Academy
Click the Link Above to watch a lecture on the inflammatory response (15 minutes)