connective tissue

Examples of connective tissue in the following topics:

• Characteristics of Connective Tissue

  • Connective tissue (CT) is a one of the four main classes of tissues.
  • This offers great diversity in the types of connective tissue.
  • Connective tissue fibers provide support.
  • Three types of fibers are found in connective tissue:
  • They help the connective tissue to stretch and recoil.

• Types of Connective Tissue

  • Connective tissue proper has two subclasses: loose and dense.
  • The functions of areolar connective tissue include the support and binding of other tissues.
  • This is loose connective tissue composed of adipocytes.
  • This is considered a specialized form of connective tissue.
  • It is an atypical connective tissue since it does not bind, connect, or network with any body cells.

• Structural Elements of Connective Tissue

  • Collagen is a group of naturally-occurring proteins found in animals, especially in the flesh and connective tissues of mammals.
  • It is the main component of connective tissue, and is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content.
  • Elastic tissue is classified as "connective tissue proper. " The elastic fiber is formed from the elastic microfibril and amorphous elastin.
  • Elastic fibers are found in the skin, lungs, arteries, veins, connective tissue proper, elastic cartilage, periodontal ligament, fetal tissue, and other structures.
  • Reticular fibers or reticulin is a histological term used to describe a type of fiber in connective tissue composed of type III collagen.

• Submucosa

  • The submucosa is a dense irregular layer of connective tissue with large blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves that supports the mucosa.
  • The submucosa lies under the mucosa and consists of fibrous connective tissue, separating the mucosa from the next layer, the muscularis externa.
  • Under these muscle layers is the adventitia, layers of connective tissue continuous with the omenta.
  • The submucosa consists of a dense irregular layer of connective tissue with large blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves branching into the mucosa and muscularis externa.
  • In the gastrointestinal tract, the submucosa is the layer of dense irregular connective tissue or loose connective tissue that supports the mucosa.

• Serosa

  • Serosa consists of a secretory epithelial layer and a thin connective tissue layer that reduce the friction from muscle movement.
  • In anatomy, serous membrane (or serosa) is a smooth membrane consisting of a thin layer of cells, which secrete serous fluid, and a thin connective tissue layer .
  • Serosa is not to be confused with adventitia, a connective tissue layer which binds together structures rather than reducing friction between them.
  • Each serous membrane is composed of a secretory epithelial layer and a connective tissue layer underneath.
  • These cells are bound tightly to the underlying connective tissue.

• Arrangement of Fascicles

  • Skeletal muscle tissue is composed of numerous muscle fibers which are separated from adjacent muscles and other tissues by a layer of dense, elastic connective tissue termed the fascia.
  • Beneath the fascia in skeletal muscle is another layer of connective tissue termed the epimysium which is closely associated with the fascia.
  • The organization of connective tissue throughout and around a muscle provides strength and flexibility while distributing the force evenly.
  • Skeletal muscle is surrounded by a thick outer layer of connective tissue termed the fascia.
  • Each fascicle is surrounded by another layer of connective tissue termed the endomysium.

• Muscle Attachment Sites

  • Tendons are composed of connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.
  • A tendon is a cord-like, fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone and is capable of withstanding tension.
  • Tendons were once thought to play only a passive connective role.
  • Aponeuroses are large, sheet-like layers of connective tissue with a similar composition to tendons.
  • Tendons are a common tissue that connect muscle to bone.

• Bursae and Tendon Sheaths

  • Joints are cushioned by small fluid-filled sacs called bursae and stabilized by tough bands of fibrous connective tissue called tendons.
  • Synovial joints are made up of five classes of tissues: bone, cartilage, synovium, synovial fluid, and tensile tissues composed of tendons and ligaments.
  • A tendon or sinew is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue that usually connects muscle to bone and is capable of withstanding tension.
  • Tendons connect muscle to bone and move the bones or structures to which they are attached.
  • Bursae occur at sites of shearing in subcutaneous tissue or between deeper tissues such as muscle groups and fascia.

• Tissues in Levels of Organization

  • The four basic tissue types are epithelial, muscle, connective, and nervous tissue.
  • Each tissue type has a characteristic role in the body:
  • Most organs contain more than one tissue type.
  • For example, the stomach consists of smooth muscle tissue for churning movement while it is innervated, but it is also supplied by blood, which is a connective tissue.
  • Cells form tissues, and tissues form organs.

• Characteristics of Epithelial Tissue

  • The human body consists of four types of tissue: epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous.
  • Epithelial tissue covers the body, lines all cavities, and composes the glands.
  • In its role as an interface tissue, epithelium accomplishes many functions, including:
  • These protein connections hold the cells together to form a tightly connected layer that is avascular but innervated in nature.
  • The epithelial cells are nourished by substances diffusing from blood vessels in the underlying connective tissue.