Histology

MSK101-1 Department

CONNECTIVE TISSUE (III&IV)

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:

• Differentiate between the various types of free C.T. cells
structurally and functionally.
• Distinguish the structure, functions and sites of different
types of C.T. fibers.
• Be aware of the matrix components.
• Describe the structure, functions and sites of different types
of C.T. proper.
• Acknowledge some structural abnormalities of clinical
significance.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department

Plasma
Cell

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

Macrophage
 Histology
MSK101-1
Mast Cells Department

• Origin: UMC.
• Site: Perivascular and mucosal
(under epith).

LM
• Large cell.
• Granular, dark basophilic cytoplasm.
• Central rounded pale nucleus.
• Metachromatic staining (Toluidine blue).
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department

EM
• Well developed rER, Golgi
and many mitochondria.
• Numerous dense secretory
granules in the cytoplasm.
• Elongated nucleus with
abundant euchromatin.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Functions Department

Histamine Leukotrienes

Vasodilatation Smooth muscle

contraction
Eosinophil
chemotactic
factor
Heparin

Attracts
Anticoagulant
eosinophils
 Histology
MSK101-1 Plasma Cells Department

• Origin: B-lymphocyte.
• Site: lymphoid tissue.
LM
• Large oval cell.
• Deep basophilic cytoplasm
(negative Golgi Image).
• Eccentric spherical nucleus (Cart
wheel/clock face).
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department

EM
• Well developed rER, Golgi and many
mitochondria.
• Elongated nucleus with abundant
euchromatin.
• NO secretory granules in the cytoplasm.

Function
• Antibody secretion.
 Allergic Reaction
Histology
MSK101-1 Department
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department

Extracellular
Matrix

Ground substance
=gel-like substance. Tissue fluid
Formed by fibroblasts. =plasma-pr
Stained with Ag & Tr.Bl.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department

Functions
1. Supports CT cells and fibres.
2. Binds cells together.
3. Medium for exchange between blood &
cells.
4. Store of water.
5. Plays an active role in tissue growth and
migration.
6. Acts as physical barrier.
 Histology
MSK101-1
C.T. Fibres
Department

•Protein polymers???
Collagen

Elastic

Reticular
 Histology
Collagen Fibers
MSK101-1 Department

Synthesis Fibroblasts
(Chondroblasts, osteoblasts and
odontoblasts).
LM Wavy branching bundles (non-
branching fibers).
Pink with eosin, blue with Mallory
and red with Van Gieson.
Character Strong.
Un-stretchable.
Inelastic.
Boiling forms gelatin
Functions Gives strength and resist
stretching.
 Histology
MSK101-1
Common types of collagen
Department

Sites Cell of origin

Type I (Bundles) C.T. proper Fibroblasts
Tendons
Bones Osteoblasts
Type II (Fibrils) Cartilage Chondroblasts
& chondrocytes
Type III (Reticular) Stroma of organs Fibroblasts
Reticular cells
Type IV (Granular) Basal Lamina of epith. Epithelial cells

Type VII Junction bet. skin Fibroblasts

(Anchoring fibers) epidermis & dermis
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department

Scurvy

Keloid
 Elastic Fibers
Histology
MSK101-1 Department

Synthesis Fibroblasts
(Chondroblasts and smooth msc).

LM Individual thin and branching

fibres.
Pink with eosin, brown with
Orcein and yellow with Van
Gieson.
Character Stretch and recoil.
Resist boiling.

Functions Gives elasticity.

 Histology
MSK101-1
Marfan Department

syndrome
 Histology
MSK101-1
Reticular Fibers Department

Synthesis Fibroblasts
(Reticular cells and smooth msc).
LM Fine fibrellar network.
Invisible with eosin, brown
with silver and magenta red
with PAS.
Character Loose flexible network
Functions Gives background network in
different organs.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Types of C.T. proper Department

Loose Dense
(Excess Matrix) (Excess Fibres)
•Areolar •White fibrous
•Adipose •Yellow elastic
•Reticular
•Mucoid
•Pigmented
 Mucoid C.T.
Histology
MSK101-1 Department

Structure
Formed of UMCs+ type III collagen+ large
amount of jelly-like ground substance rich in
mucous & hyaluronic acid.
Sites
• Umbilical cord
• Vitreous humor of the eye
• Pulp of teeth

Function
Support
 Reticular C.T.
Histology
MSK101-1 Department

Structure
Formed of Reticular cells+ network of branching
reticular fibres+ moderate amount of matrix.

Sites
Framework stroma of organs and glands.

Function
Support
 Loose Areolar C.T.
Histology
MSK101-1 Department

• ALL C.T. cells and fibres are

represented.
• Contains potential cavities.
• Richly supplied with blood vessels.
• Found everywhere except in the
brain.
Functions:
• Exchange of materials.
• Binding structures.
• Physical barrier.
 Histology
MSK101-1
Adipose C.T. Department

• Predominant adipocytes.
• Lobulated masses.
White Adipose C.T. Brown Adipose C.T.

• Less vascular. • Highly vascular.

• Contains carotenoids. • Containes cytochrome
• Affected by diet & oxidase.
hormones. • Affected by hormones.
• Present under skin, • Present in new borns,
mammary gl. & arround mediastinum and
organs surround large vessels.
• For support, insulation • Thermogenesis
& fat storage.
 Histology

White adipose C.T.

MSK101-1 Department
 Histology
MSK101-1 Brown adipose C.T. Department
 Histology
MSK101-1 White Fibrous C.T. Department

• Predominant fibroblasts+
bundles of collagen+
minimal amount of
matrix+ few blood vessels.
• Resistant and less flexible.
• White in fresh state.
• Stains blue with Mallory
stain.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department

Regular Type

• Regular collagen
bundles alternating with
rows of fibroblasts.
• Withstands stretch in
one direction.
• Sites:
• Tendons.
• Cornea.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department
Irregular Type
• Irregular collagen bundles with
scattered fibroblasts in between.
• Withstands stretch in different
directions.
• Sites:
• Ligaments.
• Sclera.
• Reticular layer of dermis.
• Organ capsules.
• Perichondrium.
• Periosteum.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Yellow Elastic C.T. Department

• Predominant
fibroblasts+ parallel
elastic fibres+ minimal
amount of matrix+ few
blood vessels.
• Has great elastic power.
• Yellow in fresh state.
• Stains brown with
orcein stain.
 Histology
MSK101-1 Department