connective

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Connective tissue is the most widespread and abundant tissue in the human body. Many different types of cells are found in C.T., and C.T. comes in many varieties. One feature of connective tissue is the presence of a matrix which is composed of the ground substance and the fibers.

Fibers Found in Connective Tissue:

Collagen	Collagen fibers are white in appearance and very strong, and are the most abundant fibers.
Elastic	The elastic fibers, as you might guess, are able to stretch and so they provide flexibility. Yellow appearance with branches.
Reticular	The thinnest fibers. Also branching.

The fibers are made by special cells called fibroblasts.

Varieties of Connective Tissue

**Loose Connective Tissue**
Areolar	Found in the Superficial Fascia and the lamina propria of mucous membranes. Areolar is the most widespread type of C.T. It's matrix is semi-fluid and it contains all three types of fibers. There is much space between all of the fibers and cells.
Adipose	Adipose tissue has lots of fat cells which are packed in tightly. The nucleus of each fat cell is pushed to the side of the cell. Found in subcutaneous tissue and serves several functions like protection and insulation.
Reticular	Has lots of reticular cells accompanied by reticular fibers. This type of C.T. forms the framework for different organs.

**Dense Connective Tissue**
Dense Fibrous	Dense Fibrous C.T. can be further classified into regular or irregular. Dense regular has many collagen fibers arranged in parallel rows. Dense irregular contains many collagen fibers as well, but the arrangement has no regular pattern.
Elastic	Contains elastic fibers which permit stretching.

**Types of Cartilage**

Special Features of Cartilage: Unlike other forms of C.T., cartilage has a poor blood supply. Cells found in cartilage = chondrocytes which will be found in cavities called lacunae. The lacunae give the appearance of bubbles under the microscope.
Elastic Cartilage	Provides support with flexibility. Contains elastic fibers.
Fibrocartilage	Has collagen fibers mostly. Compose the intervertebral discs where it offers support and cushioning.
Hyaline Cartilage	You can't really see the fibers here, and the matrix appears glassy. Found at articular surfaces.

**Other Types of Connective Tissue**
Bone	Bone is a type of C.T. in which the matrix is very hard. The bone cells, called osteocytes, secrete the matrix. Many collagen fibers.
Blood	Type of C.T. with a fluid matrix.
Mesenchyme	Found in the embryo. Gives rise to all other types of C.T.
Mucous	Found in the umbilical cord.

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