Connective Tissue

  • It is one of the basic tissue of the body designed primarily to connect and support various others tissues.

General Features

  • The connective and supportive tissues are derived from the mesoderm. However, the ectoderm of the head region may also contribute to their formation.
  • The connective tissues are made up of three main components:
  • Cells (widely separated from each other)
  • Fibers  (different types)
  • Amorphous ground substances.
  • It is well vascularized.
  • It performs many functions:

a. Mechanical functions

  • Connection.
  • Support, e.g., bone.
  • Protection e.g., bone and cartilage.

b. Body defenses

  • Presence of phagocytes.
  • Presence of immunocompetent cells.
  • Physical properties of the ground substances which act against the spread of pathogenic organism.

c. Storage

  • Water and electrolytes.
  • Fat in adipose tissue.

d. Temperature (heat) regulation

  • Adipose tissue.

e. Tissue repair

  • Formation of scar tissue.

Connective Tissue

The CT is a type of tissue designed to connect and support other tissues, and it contains the blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.

Click to see Histology Album
In your opinion what is the best method to teach histology?

  • Hand Drawing
  • CDs
  • Web sites
  • LCMS
  • What is LCMS?

Send answers to drhany@mansvet.com

Objectives:

After the completion of this chapter, you should be able to:

  • enumerate the general CT features
  • enumerate types of CT
  • enumerate CT cells, and describe their structure and functions.
  • mention the differences between CT fibers
  • describe the structure of embryonic CT
  • enumerate and describe adult CT structures

CT Quiz

  1. enumerate CT components?
  2. tabulate the structure and functions of CT cells?
  3. Describe LM, EM, and functions of mast cells, plasma cells, fibroblasts, and histiocytes?
  4. discuss the structure of loose CT?
  5. clarify the differences between white and brown adipose CT?
  6. Describe the structure of tendon?
  7. give an account on: reticular tissue, dense irregular CT, and ground substances?
  8. mentions the general features of CT?
  9. Discuss the structure-function relationship of mesenchymal cells, white adipocytes, brown adipocytes, and melanocytes?
  10. Describe the histological structure of mesenchymal CT, and Wharton’s jelly?