Liquid matrix plasma

Function: Carries O₂

Location: Everywhere

1. erythrocytes (RBC)
2. leukocytes (WBD defense)
3. platlets (clotting)

Only cells present are chondrocytes:

space called lacunae (owl eyes)

• avascular
• aneural  

"Mutt"

Most widely distributed

Function:

shock absorber

distorts S damage

glues MT & ET together

Location:

between MT & ET

"Fat"

Very little matrix

Function:

stores engergy

insulator

padding

Location:

under the skin

around the organs

Made primarily of reticular fibers

Function:

provides framework

Location:

spleen

liver

lymph nodes

bone marrow

Function:

secures bones during movement

Location:

tendons

ligaments

aponeurosis

"Leather"

strongest

Location:

joints

carilage (perichondrium)

around bones (periosteum)

"Lasagna"

Stretch S damage

Location:

lungs

arteries

bladder

Most common

Function:

structutal support

Location:

ribs

sternum

joints

nodes

rings of trachea

Location:

auricle of ear

epiglotis (flap over trachea)

larynx (voice box)

Connective Tissue

(General characteristics)

• Most widely distributed tissue in the body
• Contain specialized cells
• Made up of mostly matrix
• found in underlying stuctures
• highly vascularized
• stuctural framework to interconnect and protect, transport, engery reserve, defense system

Specialized cell in CT

forms part of the matrix

Includes:

colagen

elastin

A clear viscous fluid

Specialized cell in CT

Form part of the matrix

Produce fibers that are found within CT

Help produce parts of the matrix

White Blood Cells

Commonly found in blood

can migrate into CT temporarily

EX) Macrophages- phagocytize foreign materials & signal to activate immune system when stimulated

Synthesize and store melanin.

Melanin colors the epithelium and CT of the skin.

Formed by fibroblasts

Most numerous

Long, straight, unbranched

Composed of protein collagen (VERY STRONG)

Appear white

Make up tendons and ligaments

Formed by fibroblasts

Thinner than collogen fibers

Form branched networks

Provides strong supporting net, helps stabilize the organs, BVs, nerves etc

Formed by Fibroblasts

Branched and wavy when not stretched

Ability to stretch and return to original length

Composed of protein elastin

Found in air sacs of lungs, dermis of skin, BVs, inbetween vertebrae

Two thirds of the matrix consists of calcium salts, the rest is collagen fibers.

Calciam salts = brittle

Collagen fibers = strong

Continuously being broken down and rebuilt

Respondes to use by growing thinker and stonger

Inactivity leads to frail, brittle bones

Blood vessels that have lacunae organized around them

Bone tissue is very vascular unlike catilage

Cytoplasmic extensions of osteocytes that radiate in toward the haversian canal

Diffusion cannot occur within a hard matrix

Has fewer chondrocytes

Has interweave of collagen fibers for durability

Located between pubic bones and intervertbral discs

Absorbs shock and prevents bone to bone contact

Strongest