Connective Tissue Types

Essential Question

What are the characteristics, functions, and locations of each type of connective tissue?

Characteristics:
- Spider web appearance
- Gel-like extracellular matrix
- Contains all three types of fibers: collagen, elastic, reticular
- Contains various cells: fibroblasts, plasma cells, mast cells
- Fibers are crisscrossed, not parallel
- Ground substance is present as a cream or tan colored material
Functions:
- Soaks up excess fluid, especially during infections
- Helps fight off infections due to presence of white blood cells and plasma cells
- Produces antibodies and histamines via plasma cells and mast cells
Locations:
- Surrounds organs as a thin, clear covering
- Found under the skin and epithelium

Characteristics:
- Composed of adipocytes (fat cells)
- Entire cell filled with fat droplets
- Nuclei pushed near the cell membrane due to fat content
- Minimal extracellular matrix
Functions:
- Energy storage through fat droplets
- Insulation to maintain body warmth
- Protection against physical damage or trauma
Locations:
- Under the skin
- Yellow marrow
- Surrounding organs

Characteristics:
- Comprised of reticular fibers
- Contains reticular cells, fibroblasts, and a few white blood cells
- Resembles Japanese cherry blossom structure
Functions:
- Forms supporting framework for cells in specific organs
Locations:
- Liver
- Spleen
- Lymph nodes
- Bone marrow

Characteristics:
- Composed largely of parallel-running collagen fibers
- Thick and strong, resists stretching
- Avascular (no blood supply)
Functions:
- Provides strength and flexibility without stretch
Locations:
- Tendons
- Ligaments

Describe the appearance of loose connective and dense connective tissue in your own words.
How are adipose tissues unique in appearance from other connective tissues?
How does the anatomy of reticular connective tissue determine its function?