Components

1. Connective tissue cells

2. Ground substance

3. Connective tissue fibers 4. Blood vessels

Types of Connective Tissue Cells

 

Cells that secrete extracellular matrix. Cells for storage and metabolism of fat and other minerals. Cells with defense and immune functions.

Types of Connective Tissue Fibers



Collagen fibers Type I, II, III, IV, VII Elastic fibers

General Characteristics


There are few cells that are set apart. Abundant intercellular substance. Intercellular ground substance contains fibers.

Functions


 

  

Binding of tissues and organs. Mechanical support. Storage of fat and certain minerals. Exchange of metabolites. Repair and healing of wounds. Protection against infection.

Classification
I. Connective Tissue Proper
Loose connective Tissue Dense connective tissue

II. Specialized Connective Tissue

Cartilage Bone Blood

A. Loose Connective Tissue

1. Loose Areolar tissue
lamina propia supporting tissue of organs in between muscle fibers subcutaneous layer of skin

2. Adipose tissue
- subcutaneous layer of skin - underneath linings of GIT

3. Reticular Tissue
- supporting stroma of cellular organs: endocrine glands lymph nodes liver

4. Mucous tissue
- Whartons jelly of umbilical cord

Loose Connective Tissues

Dense connective tissue

1. Dense fibrous irregular
dermis of the skin capsules of organs tendon sheaths urinary tract

2. Dense fibrous regular

tendons ligaments fascia and aponeurosis cornea

3. Dense elastic tissue

ligaments true vocal cords stylohyoid ligaments elastic arteries

Loose Connective Tissues

Dense Connective Tissues