Connective tissue
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Define connective tissue Connective tissue is a group of tissues that support, connect, and bind other tissues and organs in the body.
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Mention the characteristics of connective tissue
- Supporting and binding other tissues and organs
- Providing structure and framework
- Connecting and uniting different tissues and organs
- Storage and transport of nutrients, water, and waste products
- Support and protection of the body
- Repair and regeneration of tissues
- Blood supply and immune response
- Classify connective tissue
- Loose connective tissue
- Areolar tissue (subcutaneous tissue, submucous tissue)
- Adipose tissue
- Reticular tissue
- Dense connective tissue
- Dense regular connective tissue (tendons, ligaments)
- Dense irregular connective tissue (dermis of skin)
- Specialized connective tissue
- Cartilage
- Bone
- Blood
- Lymph
Loose Connective Tissue
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Areolar tissue: Found in subcutaneous tissue, submucous tissue, and in between muscles.
- Connects and supports other tissues and organs
- Provides a pathway for the blood vessels and nerves
- Step 1 → Collagen fibers → Elastin fibers → Ground substance
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Adipose tissue: Found in subcutaneous tissue, around organs, and in the abdominal cavity.
- Stores energy in the form of fat
- Provides insulation and support to the body
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Reticular tissue: Found in lymphoid organs (lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus).
- Traps and filters pathogens and foreign substances
- Supports and maintains the structure of lymphoid organs
Dense Connective Tissue
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Dense regular connective tissue: Found in tendons and ligaments.
- Provides strength and support to the body
- Connects and binds bones and muscles together
- Step 1 → Collagen fibers → Fibroblasts → Ground substance
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Dense irregular connective tissue: Found in the dermis of skin.
- Provides strength and support to the skin
- Connects and binds skin to underlying structures
Specialized Connective Tissue
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Cartilage: Found in joints, nose, trachea, and ears.
- Reduces friction and absorbs shock
- Provides support and structure to the body
- Step 1 → Chondrocytes → Cartilage matrix → Perichondrium
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Bone: Found in the skeletal system.
- Provides structure and support to the body
- Protects internal organs and maintains bodily functions
- Step 1 → Osteoblasts → Bone matrix → Osteocytes
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Blood: Found in blood vessels.
- Transports nutrients, water, and waste products
- Provides oxygen and carbon dioxide to the body
- Step 1 → Heart → Arteries → Capillaries → Veins → Heart
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Lymph: Found in lymph vessels.
- Transports pathogens and foreign substances
- Provides immune response and filters waste products
- Step 1 → Lymph nodes → Lymph vessels → Heart → Blood vessels