1. CONNECTIVE TISSUE (C.T.) The excitement is building! 
** Connects!
** MOST ABUNDANT
TISSUE TYPE IN BODY! 1

3. Binds together body tissues
FUNCTIONS OF C.T.
Protects organs
Supports organs
Binds together body tissues 3

4. Characteristics of C.T. 1) VARY IN BLOOD SUPPLY
Most are vascularized (have a blood supply)
Some exceptions:
Tendons, ligaments, and cartilage are avascular
(heal very slowly when injured!) 4

5. Characteristics of C.T. continued
2) Have an extracellular matrix (ECM) –
which is a collection of molecules found outside of the cells that provide structural support to the surrounding cells
Matrix can be liquid, semisolid, or solid depending on tissue type and enables C.T. to withstand weight and stretching 5

7. Collagen Fibers:
Large fibers of the connective tissue (C.T.) matrix made of the protein collagen and are typically the most abundant fibers; promote tissue flexibility

8. Fibroblasts:
Secrete fibers and ground substance of the matrix of C.T.

9. Mast cells:
Cells that release histamine and other substances during inflammatory and allergic reactions
Mast cell – Allergies visual video clip

10. Macrophages:
white blood cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and foreign substances in a process called phagocytosis

11. Elastic fibers:
Branching fibers of the C.T. matrix made of the protein elastin; allow for stretch and recoil

12. Blood vessels/blood cells:
Arteries, veins, and capillaries transport oxygen and carbon dioxide; red blood cells transport oxygen & white blood cells are immune system cells

13. Adipocytes:
Fat cells that store energy as fat (lipids); this fat insulates the body

14. Fill-in CONNECTIVE TISSUE CHART

15. 1) LOOSE C.T. (AREOLAR)
DESCRIPTION: Areola means small open space – most of the matrix of this tissue appears to be empty space
FUNCTION: Wraps and cushions organs; holds internal organs together – acts as “glue”
LOCATION: Around organs 15

17. 2) ADIPOSE DESCRIPTION: FAT cells
FUNCTION: is reserve “fuel” or energy, protects organ by cushioning them, and functions in insulation
LOCATION: Found around organs, under skin, within abdomen, in breasts

19. 3) DENSE C.T.
DESCRIPTION: Collagen fibers in matrix give tissue flexibility, fibroblasts are cells that make the fibers
FUNCTION:
tendons connect muscle to bone and ligaments connect bone to bone;
they withstand stress when pulled
LOCATION: tendons, ligaments

21. 4) HYALINE CARTILAGE
DESCRIPTION: Hyaline cartilage is the most abundant type of cartilage;
(elastic cartilage is found in ear and nose)
- One cell is called a chondrocyte
FUNCTION: supports and reinforces organs
LOCATION: looks glass-like and covers ends of bones at joints and in ribs

23. 5) BONE
DESCRIPTION: Bone cells called osteocytes are in cavities called LACUNAE
One large circle (unit of bone) is an OSTEON
FUNCTION: Osseous tissue has a very strong and hard matrix that protects internal organs and supports the body;
provides levers for the muscles to act on
LOCATION: bones

25. 6) BLOOD
DESCRIPTION: Contains blood cells! Red blood cells appear pink on the slide and white blood cells are purple
The fluid matrix is called blood plasma
FUNCTION: transport for the circulatory system carrying nutrients and wastes
LOCATION: Throughout the entire body