Histology

MSK101-1 Department

CONNECTIVE TISSUE (I&II)

By
Prof. Sahar Abo Elfadl
Prof. of Medical Histology & Cell Biology
 Histology

OBJECTIVES
MSK101-1 Department

By the end of this lecture you should be able to:

•List the general characteristics & functions
of C.T.
•Identify the components of C.T.
•Differentiate between the various types of
fixed C.T. cells structurally and functionally.
•Recognize some related clinical applications.
 Histology
MSK101-1 General Characteristics Department

•Made up of widely separated cells.

•Supported by abundant intercellular
substance.
•Contains C.T. fibers.
•Penetrated by blood vessels, lymphatics
and nerves.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Embryonic Origin Department

Mesodermal
 Histology
MSK101-1
General Functions Department

• Connects and binds cells and organs.

• Gives mechanical support to tissues and organs.
• Divides the organs into compartments.
• Stores fat and certain minerals.
• Protects against infection.
• Helps wound healing and tissue repair.
• Medium for exchange of metabolites between blood
and tissues.
 Histology
MSK101-1
Components Department

CELLS
MATRIX

Fibers

Connective Tissue
 Histology
MSK101-1 Types of C.T. according to Department
matrix consistency

Soft • C.T. proper

Rubbery • Cartilage

Hard • Bone

Fluid • Blood
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department
UMCs
&
Pericytes

Reticular Fibroblasts
Cells FIXED & Fibrocytes
C.T. Cells Stable/
Long lived

Macrophages Adipocytes
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department
Plasma
Cell

FREE
Transient Mast
C.T. Cells Leukocytes
Cell
/Short
lived

Macrophage
 Histology
MSK101-1 Undifferentiated Mesenchymal Department

Cell
• Unspecialized primitive cells.
• In adults: permanent source of cells (B.M.).
LM
• small, branched cell.
• pale blue cytoplasm.
• Central oval pale nucleus with clear nucleoli.
EM
Many free ribosomes and few other organelles.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department

Functions
Divides actively and
Differentiates into:
1. Other types of C.T.
cells.
2. Smooth muscle cells.
3. Endothelial cells.
 Histology
Pericyte
MSK101-1 Department

•Origin: UMC.
•Site: Around
blood
capillaries.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department

• LM: (as UMC)

• small, branched cell.
• pale blue cytoplasm.
• Central oval pale nucleus with
clear nucleoli.
• EM: many free ribosomes/
few other organelles+ actin
and myosine filaments.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department

Functions
1. Adult mesenchymal stem cell=???
2. In case of injury it can differentiate
into:
• Smooth muscle cells.
• Endothelial cells.
• Other types of C.T. cells.
3. Vasoconstriction of capillaries.
 Histology
MSK101-1
Fibroblasts & Fibrocytes Department

• Origin: UMC &

pericytes.
• Site: most common,
present in all types of
C.T. proper.
MSK101-1 LM Histology
Department
Fibroblast Fibrocyte
(Young, Immature) (Old, Mature)
Many branches Spindle-shaped with
few processes
Deep basophilic Pale basophilic
cytoplasm cytoplasm

Large pale oval Small dark rounded

nucleus nucleus
MSK101-1 EM Histology
Department

Fibroblast Fibrocyte
(Young, Immature) (Old, Mature)
Well-developed rER Few organelles
Well-developed
Golgi complex
Many mitochondria
Euchromatic nucleus Heterochromatic
nucleus
 Histology
MSK101-1 Functions Department

Fibroblast Fibrocyte
(Young, Immature) (Old, Mature)

Synthesis of C.T. fibers. Continuous slow turnover of

fibers and matrix
Synthesis of ground (maintenance).
substance.
Secretion of growth factors. Activated to fibroblast
during healing
Healing of C.T.
 Histology
MSK101-1
Adipocytes (Fat Cells) Department

• Origin: UMC.
• Site: Adipose C.T.
1. White
subcutaneous,
perinephric.
1. Brown
interscapular,
mediastinal.
 Histology
MSK101-1 LM Department

Unilocular Adipocyte Multilocular Adipocyte

Large and oval. Smaller and rounded
Single giant fat droplet. Multiple small droplets.
(Signet ring appearance)

Peripheral flat nucleus Eccentric rounded nucleus

Stains orange with Sudan III. Stains orange with Sudan III.
 Histology
MSK101-1 EM Department

Unilocular Adipocyte Multilocular Adipocyte

Abundant sER. Less developed sER.
Few filamentous mitochondria. Many rounded mitochondria.
Single large electron dense fat Multiple electron dense fat
droplet. droplets.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Functions Department

Unilocular Adipocyte Multilocular Adipocyte

Synthesis and storage of
fat.
Organ support.
Thermogenesis by action
Heat insulation. of thermogenin on fat.
Endocrine function : leptin
increases metabolic rate
and decrease food intake.
 Reticular Cell
Histology
MSK101-1 Department

• Origin: UMC.
• Site: Stroma of glands
and organs.

LM:
• Stellate cells.
• Basophilic cytoplasm.
• Central pale nucleus.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department

EM
• Variable amount of organelles.
• Cell junctions between
processes.
Functions
• Secrete reticulin.
• Mechanical support.
• Phagocytic activity.
• Antigen presenting cell .
 Histology
MSK101-1 Macrophage Department

• Origin: blood monocyte.

• Site: fixed&free.

LM
• Large irregular cell.
• Basophilic granular cytoplasm.
• Eccentric dark kidney- shaped
nucleus.
• Vital stains (Indian ink).
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department

EM
• Irregular shape.
• Rich in lysosomes.
• Prominent Golgi.
Functions:
1. Phagocytic activity.
2. Form multinucleated foreign body
giant cells.
3. Antigen presenting cell (APC) .
4. Destruction of old RBCs in liver &
spleen.
 Histology
MSK101-1
Pigment Cells Department

• Origin: UMCs.
• Have long branching processes.
LM
• Small stellate cells.
• Cytoplasm is pale basophilic with
scattered dark brown melanin granules.
• Function: They carry melanin pigment
granules in skin dermis and iris of the
eye.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department