BIO 304 · Human Anatomy & Physiology
Connective Tissues
Tissues · Module 3
A reference for the Connective Tissue video. Every connective tissue is the same recipe with different proportions: cells, fibers, and ground substance, together called the extracellular matrix.
How to use this sheet Toggle the toolbar above. Notes prints the full reference for review. Study prints as a fill-in-the-blank worksheet , print it, then write each definition while you watch the video or read your book. Quiz me is on-screen typing practice; type the term, click Reveal to check yourself.
- Identify the three components of the extracellular matrix and name the cell that produces each.
- Classify connective tissues into loose, dense, and specialized categories with one example of each.
- Match a fiber type (collagen, elastic, reticular) to the tissue where it dominates and the property it provides.
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ECM & Cell Types
Three ECM components
- Cellsresident builders and immune cells (see below)
- Fiberscollagen, elastic, or reticular; provide tensile or stretch
- Ground substancegel-like fluid that fills space; varies in consistency
Fibers
- Collagenthick, strong rope-like fibers; tensile strength (tendons, bone)
- Elasticthinner, branched; recoil (lungs, large arteries, skin)
- Reticularfine collagen network; supportive mesh (lymph nodes, marrow)
Cells
- Fibroblastmost common; makes fibers and ground substance
- Adipocytefat-storing cell; large lipid droplet
- Macrophagewandering phagocyte; immune defense
- Mast cellreleases histamine, heparin; inflammation
- Plasma cellmature B cell, produces antibodies
Classification
Loose connective tissue
- Areolarloose fibers in jelly; packing material under epithelia
- Adiposefat-storing; insulation, cushioning, fuel
- Reticularreticular fiber framework; spleen, lymph nodes, marrow
Dense connective tissue
- Dense regularparallel collagen; tendons and ligaments
- Dense irregularcollagen in all directions; dermis, organ capsules
- Elasticmostly elastic fibers; aortic wall, vocal cords
Specialized connective tissue
- Hyaline cartilagesmooth, glassy; joint surfaces, trachea, fetal skeleton
- Elastic cartilagewith elastic fibers; ear pinna, epiglottis
- Fibrocartilagethick collagen bundles; intervertebral disc, menisci
- Bone (osseous)mineralized collagen; rigid skeleton
- Bloodfluid matrix (plasma) + cells; transport tissue
Step 3 . Retrieval check
Now explain it back, in your own words.
In 60 words or more, pull together what the video just taught you. Include the key concepts. This is the point where the learning actually sticks. After you submit, your spaced-recall cards for this topic unlock.
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