Professor Long's Anatomy and Physiology Lecture

Introduction

• Professor Bob Long's lecture on YouTube due to coronavirus shutdown.
• Focus on fundamentals; details added later.
• Lecture for Biology 2401, covering histology, epithelial tissues, and connective tissues.
  • Currently on supportive connective tissues.

Connective Tissues Overview

• Connective tissues are varied in organization, appearance, cells.
• Connective Tissue Proper: Main cells are fibroblasts.
  • Fibroblasts can develop into adipocytes (fat cells).
• Supportive Connective Tissues: Two types - cartilage and bone.

Types of Supportive Connective Tissues

1. Cartilage

   • Root word: Chondro-
   • Cells: Chondroblasts, Chondrocytes
   • Membrane: Perichondrium, contains fibroblasts.
   • Types of Cartilage:
     • Hyaline Cartilage: Smooth, found on articular surfaces of bones, part of the nose, trachea, and connects ribs to sternum.
       • Function: Facilitates joint movement, prevents bone-on-bone contact.
     • Elastic Cartilage: Flexible, found in the pinna (ear), epiglottis.
       • Function: Flexibility to maintain shape, support.
     • Fibrocartilage: Toughest, filled with collagen fibers, found in the meniscus of the knee and intervertebral discs.
       • Function: Acts as padding and shock absorber.

2. Bone (Osseous Tissue)

   • Root word: Osteo-
   • Cells: Osteoblasts (build bone), Osteocytes (maintain bone), Osteoclasts (resorb bone).
   • Membrane: Periosteum.
   • Notes: Bone matrix is hard and solid.

Cell Differentiation

• Stem cells or mesenchymal cells are undifferentiated.
• Differentiation leads to cell specialization, e.g., fibroblasts becoming adipocytes, chondroblasts, or osteoblasts.

Membranes of the Body

1. Cutaneous Membrane

   • Also known as skin.
   • Covers external body surfaces.

2. Serous Membranes

   • Line closed internal cavities (e.g., visceral and parietal pleura, pericardium, peritoneum).

3. Mucous Membranes

   • Line cavities open to the external environment (e.g., respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive tracts).

4. Synovial Membranes

   • Line synovial joints, secrete synovial fluid for lubrication.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the basics of connective tissues and their types is crucial for further anatomy study.
• Membranes play key roles in protecting and functioning of different body systems.
• Emphasis on understanding until you can teach the material as a path to mastery.

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Study Tips:

• Review material repeatedly until fully understood.
• Create outlines with key points and functions for each tissue type.