A multi-part image shows seven types of connective tissue; loose connective tissue, cell matrix, cartilage tissue, dense connective tissue, blood, bone tissue, and embryonic tissue. Loose connective tissue is comprised of several stranded tissues that are interconnected. The cell matrix contains a tubular structure, blood vessel, and thin, thick, and interconnected bundled fibers. Blood is made of spherical-shaped red blood cells, white blood cells, and tiny platelets. The cross-section of bone tissue shows the striations of compact bone. Cartilage tissue is a dense matrix with several cells and their nuclei. Another portion has dense connective tissue with several fibers. The final part is embryonic tissue cells. All seven of the aforementioned images link to more detailed screens. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Adult connective tissues are classified into five groups, based on the composition of their matrix, cell types, and functional properties. Connective tissues connect and bind other tissues and organs together; provide structural and nutritional support; maintain form and shape; provide protection and insulation for the body; play a significant role in defense against harmful agents.
A three-part image shows three micrographs of loose connective tissues; reticular tissue, loose areolar tissue, and adipose tissue. The micrograph of reticular tissue shows numerous cells within a network of thin fibers. Loose areolar tissue looks like a loose arrangement of thin and thick fibers and scattered cells. Finally, the adipose tissue micrograph shows large fat cells arranged in groups with small blood vessels in between them. Each of these images is linked to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Loose connective tissue has many widely spaced cells and an abundance of viscous ground substance. It is a very common tissue in the body.
An image shows an illustration and micrograph of loose areolar connective tissue. Both reveal cells spaced far apart between loose arrangements of fibers. The tissue contains blood vessels, reticular fiber, elastic fiber, and collagen fiber. The blood vessel is flowing through the tissue. The reticular fiber is thin fiber arranged in a network along with the cells. The elastic fiber is a very thin fiber arranged in a network and shows branches. The collagen fiber is thick and arranged in bundles beside the cells. A button labeled tissue location at the bottom links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Supports epithelium. 2. Provides flexibility and support. 3. Fills spaces. 4. Holds tissue fluid.
A two-part image shows a section of skin and blood vessels containing the loose areolar connective tissue. The first part shows a cross-section that shows its internal structure, which contains hairs and pores on the top surface, upper layer epidermis, the middle layer dermis, and the base filled with fat. It also contains blood vessels, nerve, hair follicles, and oil gland. The second part shows blood vessels illustrating tubules that carry blood all over the organs in the human body. It reveals artery, vein, and capillary networks in the lungs, duodenum, stomach, abdomen, intestines, kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Associated text reads; Found around blood vessels, nerves, glands, and organs; within the dermis and subcutaneous layers of skin; and the lamina propria of membranes. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Supports epithelium. 2. Provides flexibility and support. 3. Fills spaces. 4. Holds tissue fluid.
An image shows an illustration and the micrograph of the reticular tissue, which contains reticular cell and reticular fiber. The reticular cells are seen as pale cells in the network of thin reticular fibers. The reticular fibers are seen as a thin fiber and are highly branched and form a network along the cells. A button labeled Tissue location at the bottom of the screen links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Reticular cells secrete a fine network of thin, highly branched reticular fibers. 2. Fibers and cells form a three-dimensional supportive stroma or framework. 3. Binds muscle cells together.
A two-part image shows internal organs of human body containing reticular connective tissue that houses lymph nodes and the spleen. The first part shows a lymph node, which is an oval- or bean-shaped organ in the lymphatic system, which is distributed throughout the body. It is enclosed in a capsule that forms trabeculae. It contains an outer cortex and inner medulla; trabeculae; lymphatic nodules in the cortical region; a valve, artery, and vein; and efferent and afferent lymphatic vessels. The lymph flows in through the valves and vessels and flows out through veins and efferent lymphatic vessel. The second part shows the spleen, an organ located under the ribcage and above the stomach. It has a smooth convex surface facing the diaphragm. It contains the splenic artery and splenic vein. Associated text reads; Reticular connective tissue is found in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, surrounding blood vessels and muscle fibers, and the reticular lamina of basement membranes. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Reticular cells secrete a fine network of thin, highly branched reticular fibers. 2. Fibers and cells form a three-dimensional supportive stroma or framework. 3. Binds muscle cells together.
An image shows an illustration and a micrograph of adipose tissue. It shows the nucleus of an adipocyte, cytoplasm, plasma membrane, blood vessel, and the fat storage area of the adipocyte. The nucleus of the adipocyte is inside the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm is a spherical structure and is scattered in the tissue. Each cytoplasm has a nucleus. The plasma membrane is on the outer layer of the cytoplasm, and blood vessels are contained inside the cytoplasm. The fat storage area of an adipocyte is at the center region of each cytoplasm. A button labeled tissue location at the bottom of the screen links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Contains large numbers of fat-storing adipocytes cells surrounded by scattered reticular fibers and has a rich vascular network. 2. Stores fat, provides cushioning, and fills spaces. 3. Provides insulation for maintaining body temperature.
An image shows a human heart containing adipose tissue. The adipose tissue is seen on the surface of arteries and ventricles of the heart. Associated text reads; Adipose tissue is found in the subcutaneous layer of skin, surrounding eyeballs, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels, the padding in joint cavities within bones. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Contains large numbers of fat-storing adipocytes cells surrounded by scattered reticular fibers and has a rich vascular network. 2. Stores fat, provides cushioning, and fills spaces. Provides insulation for maintaining body temperature.
An image shows three types of dense connective tissue; dense irregular connective tissue, elastic connective tissue, and dense regular connective tissue. The dense irregular connective tissue has densely packed fibers in an irregular arrangement. The elastic connective tissue contains packed flexible fibers. The dense regular connective tissue features densely packed fibers arranged in parallel rows. Each of the aforementioned images links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Dense connective tissue has less cells and ground substance but more densely packed fibers than loose connective tissue.
An image shows an illustration and a micrograph of dense irregular connective tissue. They each show a fibroblast, nucleus of the fibroblast, and a collagen bundle. The fibroblast is displayed between the densely packed fibers. The nucleus of the fibroblast is seen at the center. The collagen bundle fibers are densely packed and are arranged in irregular networks. A button labeled Tissue location at the bottom of the screen links to a more detailed screen. Associated text reads; Functions, Dense irregular connective tissue’s densely packed collagen fibers are arranged into irregular three-dimensional networks and provide strength and resistance to stress in all directions.
An image shows the heart valves containing the dense irregular connective tissue. The image shows the anterior view of the heart with its different valves and dense irregular connective tissue on its surface. The four valves of the heart include the pulmonary valve and aortic valve, which have three segments at the center; and the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve, which are hollow at the center and little bigger than other two valves. The blood vessels pass throughout the heart. Associated text reads; Dense irregular connective tissue is found in the dermis of skin, the walls of digestive organs, capsules around organs, the pericardium, heart valves, periosteum, perichondrium, and joint capsules. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, Dense irregular connective tissue’s densely packed collagen fibers are arranged into irregular three-dimensional networks and provide strength and resistance to stress in all directions.
An image shows an illustration and a micrograph of elastic connective tissue. It reveals elastic fibers that are densely packed. Nucleus of fibroblasts are scarce and are scattered along the fibers. A button labeled Tissue location at the bottom of the screen links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, Elastic connective tissue is both strong and highly flexible. Elasticity is possible because the elastic fibers can stretch and recoil.
An image shows the pair of lungs which contains the elastic connective tissue. The image shows the left and the right lungs without the center region. The left lung shows three segments along its surface, and the right lung shows two segments across its surface. Associated text reads; Elastic connective tissue is found in ligaments of the vertebral column, the lungs, walls of blood vessels, walls of air passages, and the suspensory ligament of the penis. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, Elastic connective tissue is both strong and highly flexible. Elasticity is possible because the elastic fibers can stretch and recoil.
An image shows an illustration and a micrograph of dense regular connective tissue. It reveals the nuclei of fibroblasts and collagen bundles arranged into parallel rows. The fibroblasts are scarce and scattered in between fibers. The collagen fibers are in bundles and are densely arranged into parallel rows. A button labeled Tissue location at the bottom of the screen links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, Dense regular tissue, called white fibrous tissue because of its white appearance, resists stress and pressure in one direction.
An image shows tendon in the human arm containing dense regular connective tissue. The tendon is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone. The image shows the internal region of the leg, in which the tendon connects the muscle and the bone. Associated text reads; Dense regular connective tissue is found in tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, Dense regular tissue, called white fibrous tissue because of its white appearance, resists stress and pressure in one direction.
An image shows the representative cell matrix with the following parts labeled; reticular fiber, elastic fiber, collagen fiber, and ground substances. The reticular fibers are very fine with highly branched networks. The elastic fibers show a network of long and thin fibers. The collagen fibers are a tubular bundle of fibers in the cell matrix. The ground substance is an unstructured material that surrounds the cells and the fibers inside the cell matrix. The cell matrix also shows other cells that include fibroblast. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Fibroblasts are cells that synthesize the components of the matrix, including protein fibers and ground substance. 2. Ground substance provides a supportive medium for the exchange of substances between connective tissue cells and blood and resists compression. 3. Collagen fibers are strong yet flexible, providing resistance to tension, stretch, and pressure. 4. Reticular fibers provide a supportive framework or stroma for organs like the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow as well as help form basement membranes. 5. Elastic fibers can stretch to one and one-half times their original length and recoil back like a rubber band.
An image shows a micrograph of blood with its four main components labeled; plasma, red blood cell erythrocyte, white blood cell leukocyte, and platelet. The fluid plasma surrounds the blood cells. The red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are bi-concave in shape. A separate image shows two red blood cells. The white blood cells, or leukocytes, are colorless cells with a nucleus and shown in lower quantity in the blood. The separate image of white blood cell shows five types of cells in a spherical shape with the nucleus at the center. The platelet is a very small cell without a nucleus found in large numbers in the blood. A button labeled Tissue location at the bottom of the screen links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, transport oxygen to tissue cells. 2. Leukocytes, or white blood cells, respond when the body is invaded by microorganisms and other foreign agents. 3. Platelets play a major role in blood clotting. 4. The matrix of blood is a yellow liquid called plasma, which is mostly water but contains an assortment of dissolved substances including sugars, proteins, gases, and ions.
A two-part image shows two views of the human heart. The first structure illustrates the heart with four chambers, and the second shows an anterior view of heart. The image presents the course of blood flow through the heart, arteries, and veins. The blood flow through the heart is shown by various arrows colored red and blue, pointing in and out of the heart. The first arrow shows the flow of deoxygenated blood, and the second arrow shows the flow of oxygenated blood to and from the heart. The arrows representing blood entering the heart come through the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava and into the right atrium. Then, they enter into the right ventricle through the right atrioventricular AV valve. From there, it flows through the pulmonary valve and pulmonary artery, and it flows out of the heart to the lungs. From the lungs, the oxygenated blood returns to the heart via pulmonary veins and enter the left atrium. Then, it passes through the left AV valve and enters the left ventricle. From there, it passes through the aortic valve into the aorta, which sends out the blood throughout the body. The next image shows arteries and veins in the heart. The arteries and veins are the tubular vessels that carry the blood through the body. The arteries start with the aorta and carry oxygen-rich blood. The veins include pulmonary vein and superior and inferior vena cava. The veins bring oxygen-poor blood from the body to the heart. Associated text reads; Blood is found within all the blood vessels of the body, including arteries, veins, and capillaries. It also circulates through the chambers of the heart. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, transport oxygen to tissue cells. 2. Leukocytes, or white blood cells, respond when the body is invaded by microorganisms and other foreign agents.3. Platelets play a major role in blood clotting. 4. The matrix of blood is a yellow liquid called plasma, which is mostly water but contains an assortment of dissolved substances including sugars, proteins, gases, and ions.
An image shows bone tissue with its internal structure labeled compact bone, spongy bone, osteon, and trabeculae. The compact bone is the hard and smooth bone tissue that surrounds softer bone tissue. It contains osteons, which are made of a central canal surrounded by concentric rings. The spongy bone is lighter and less dense than the compact bone. The spongy bones are shown as bars, and include trabecula plates and irregular cavities. Blood vessels weave along the inner regions of the bone tissue. The four components, compact bone, spongy bone, osteon, and trabeculae, link to more detailed screens. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Bone tissue comes in two types—spongy or cancellous bone and compact bone. Spongy bone contains many spaces within the matrix and is, therefore, less dense than compact bone. Compact bone is very dense and much more organized.
A three-part image shows a section of a trabeculae and an enlarged view of spongy bone trabeculae. The section of trabeculae reveals interstitial lamellae and osteocytes. The interstitial lamellae are arranged in a thin columnar matrix. The osteocytes are the mature bone cells trapped in small cavities. The enlarged view of spongy bone trabeculae and its inset show space for red bone marrow in between the lattice-like trabecula network. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, Trabeculae, the structural unit of spongy bone, are arranged in an irregular lattice providing space for red bone marrow.
An image shows an enlarged view of spongy bone trabeculae and a section of a trabecula. The section of trabeculae reveals interstitial lamellae and the osteocytes. The interstitial lamellae are arranged in a thin columnar matrix. The osteocytes are the mature bone cells that are trapped in small cavities. The enlarged view of spongy bone trabeculae and its inset show space for red bone marrow in between the lattice-like trabeculae network. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, Trabeculae, the structural unit of spongy bone, are arranged in an irregular lattice providing space for red bone marrow.
A two-part image shows a micrograph and an illustration of the sectioned compact bone. The micrograph shows osteon, lamella, lacuna, and a central Haversian canal. The image on the left shows the sectional view of compact bone, which contains the following parts; osteocyte, lacuna, and canaliculi. Text at the right side of the images reads; Osteon; the structural unit of compact bone, aligned in the same direction along the lines of stress. Lamella; a ring-shaped layer of collagen and calcified matrix within the osteon. Lacuna; space between lamellae housing an osteocyte. Central Haversian canal; central region of an osteon; contains blood vessels and nerves. Canaliculi; small tunnels connecting lacunae; provide a pathway for exchange between osteocytes. Osteocyte; cell that maintains bony tissue. A button labeled Tissue location at the bottom of the screen links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Supports soft tissues. 2. Protects internal organs. 3. Acts as levers during muscle contraction. 4. Storage of calcium and phosphate. 5. Resists stresses produced by weight and movement.
An image shows an anterior view of the human skeletal system. The compact bones in the skeletal system are as follows; inside the shoulders, hands and fingers, pelvis, thighs, knees, legs, and feet. Associated text reads; Found throughout the skeletal system. About 80% of the bone tissue in the skeleton is compact bone, and 20% is spongy bone. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Supports soft tissues. 2. Protects internal organs. 3. Acts as levers during muscle contraction. 4. Storage of calcium and phosphate. 5. Resists stresses produced by weight and movement.
A two-part image shows a micrograph and an illustration of the sectioned compact bone. The micrograph shows osteon, lamella, lacuna, and central Haversian canal. The image on the left shows the sectional view of compact bone, which contains osteocyte, lacuna, and canaliculi. Associated text reads; Osteon; the structural unit of compact bone, aligned in the same direction along the lines of stress. Lamella; a ring-shaped layer of collagen and calcified matrix within the osteon. Lacuna; space between lamellae housing an osteocyte. Central Haversian canal; central region of an osteon; contains blood vessels and nerves. Canaliculi; small tunnels connecting lacunae; provide a pathway for exchange between osteocytes. Osteocyte; cell that maintains bony tissue. A button labeled Tissue location at the bottom of the screen links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Supports soft tissues. 2. Protects internal organs. 3. Acts as levers during muscle contraction. 4. Storage of calcium and phosphate. 5. Resists stresses produced by weight and movement.
An image shows the anterior view of the human skeletal system. The compact bones in the skeletal system are inside the shoulders, hands and fingers, pelvis, thighs, knees, legs, and feet. Associated text reads; Found throughout the skeletal system. About 80% of the bone tissue in the skeleton is compact bone, and 20% is spongy bone. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Supports soft tissues. 2. Protects internal organs. 3. Acts as levers during muscle contraction. 4. Storage of calcium and phosphate. 5. Resists stresses produced by weight and movement.
An image shows three types of cartilages; fibrocartilage, hyaline cartilage, and elastic cartilage. The fibrocartilage is the strongest of the three cartilages, and the ground substance is the cartilage. It shows the collagen fibers in the dense matrix and small chondrocytes along the fibers in fewer numbers. The hyaline cartilage shows a glassy appearance, and it is the weakest of the three cartilages. The lacunae with chondrocytes and the collagen fibers are widely scattered, and it also contains perichondrium. The elastic cartilage shows the elastic fibers in the matrix and the lacunae with chondrocytes. Hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage are linked to more detailed screens. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Cartilage is a supportive connective composed of cells and a firm matrix that is able to resist distortion in response to mechanical stresses. Most types of cartilages are surrounded by a layer of dense irregular connective tissue called the perichondrium, which supplies cartilage with its blood and nerve supply. Elastic cartilage is structurally and functionally similar to hyaline cartilage except that in addition to collagen, the matrix also contains many elastic fibers. Fibrocartilage is the strongest and most resilient of the different types of cartilage. It is firm, shock-absorbing cartilage that is always associated with dense connective tissue and that lacks a perichondrium.
An image shows an illustration and a micrograph of the hyaline cartilage. The hyaline cartilage is a translucent tissue. The following parts are labeled; perichondrium, nucleus of chondrocytes, chondrocytes in lacunae, lacunae, matrix containing ground substance, and collagen. The fibrous membrane perichondrium is present on the top external surface of the cartilage, with the matrix containing ground substance and fine collagen fibers below. The collagen is not visible in the micrograph. It shows widely dispersed lacunae with one or more chondrocytes at the center. The chondrocytes are seen as the dark spots, and the lacunae in light-colored circles surround them. The image shows the spherical nucleus at the center of the chondrocyte. A button labeled Tissue location at the bottom of the screen links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Permits flexibility and support.2. Reduces friction and absorbs shock at joints. 3. Provides a smooth surface for joint movement.
A three-part image shows the following areas; ribs, synovial joint, and larynx. The ribs are the long, curved bones surrounding the chest that enclose the heart and lungs. The upper 10 pairs of ribs join to the sternum at the center via costal hyaline cartilage. The synovial joint diagram shows the connection between two bones lined with articular cartilage, which fills the cavity with the fluid. The Larynx is made of butterfly-shaped thyroid cartilage, an Adam’s apple along its surface, and cricoid cartilage below the thyroid cartilage on the sides. Associated text reads; Hyaline cartilage is the most abundant cartilage in the body. It is found in air passages, nasal septum, larynx, articulating surfaces of joints, epiphyseal plates, costal cartilages of ribs, and fetal skeleton. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Permits flexibility and support. 2 Reduces friction and absorb shock at joints. 3. Provides a smooth surface for joint movement.
An image shows a micrograph and an illustration of fibrocartilage. It shows collagen fibers that are densely arranged in a matrix. The lacuna containing a chondrocyte is found along the collagen fibers. The nucleus of the chondrocyte is at the center. A button labeled Tissue location at the bottom of the screen links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Provides support. 2. Resists compression and shearing forces. 3. Provides shock absorption.
A three-part image shows the three human internal organs that contain the fibrocartilage; the knee joint, pelvis, and vertebrae. The first part shows the knee joint in the leg that has the two articular disks, the medial meniscus, and the lateral meniscus, which contains the fibrocartilage. The second part shows the pelvis and pubis symphysis. The pubic symphysis is the midline cartilaginous joint that unites the superior rami of the left and right pubic bones. The third part shows cross-section of the human vertebral column. Associated text reads; Fibrocartilage, the strongest and most resilient of the cartilages, is found in the intervertebral discs between vertebral bones, the symphysis pubis, in the menisci shock-absorbing pads inside the knee joint and within the dense connective tissue of some tendons. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1.Provides support. 2. Resists compression and shearing forces. 3.Provides shock absorption.
A two part image shows a close-up and micrograph of the elastic cartilage. Each contains the following; elastic fiber in matrix, the perichondrium, and the chondrocytes in the lacuna, each with one nucleus. The elastic cartilage is similar to the hyaline cartilage except for the presence of the elastic fibers in place of collagen fibers. The elastic fibers are seen scattered throughout the matrix. The perichondrium is along the outer surface of the cartilage. It contains a chondrocyte with the nucleus at the center in the lacuna. The lacuna widely dispersed among the fibers. A button labeled Tissue location at the bottom of the screen links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, Provides support and flexibility.
A two-part image shows inner ear and larynx. Ear shows the elastic cartilage in the outer ear, pinna, cochlea, and external auditory canal. Larynx has the epiglottis, which is the flap in the throat that prevents food from entering lungs and windpipe. The epiglottis flap is made of elastic cartilage. Associated text reads; Elastic cartilage is found in the ear auricles, auditory tubes, portions of the external ear canal, and the epiglottis. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, Provides support and flexibility.
An image shows two micrographs of the embryonic tissue along with inset images. The first micrograph shows the mesenchyme, which contains reticular fibers and a nucleus. All are scattered loosely and irregular in appearance. The second micrograph and its inset show the mucous connective tissue, which contains the following parts; epithelial surface cell of the umbilical cord, nucleus of fibroblast, collagen fiber, and ground substance. The epithelial surface cells of the umbilical cord are lined along the epithelial surface. Fibroblasts with visible nuclei are scattered along with the collagen fibers in the matrix and the ground substance. The mucous connective tissue, or Wharton’s jelly, has fibroblasts embedded within a matrix containing collagen fibers, and a very viscous, gel-like ground substance. Associated text reads; Embryonic connective tissue is a specialized connective tissue found primarily in the embryo and fetus. One type, called mesenchyme, has a loose, irregular appearance with reticular fibers, irregularly shaped cell, and a semifluid ground substance. A button labeled Tissue location at the bottom of the screen links to a more detailed screen. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Mesenchymal tissue gives rise to all the adult connective tissues. 2. Mucous connective tissue provides support.
An image shows a uterus containing embryonic tissue. It shows the human uterus with a fetus, labeled embryo, and the umbilical cord connecting the embryo to the wall of the uterus. Associated text reads; Mesenchymal tissue is found under the skin and on the developing bones of an embryo. Some mesenchymal cells remain in the adult, mostly around blood vessels. Mucous connective tissue, also called Wharton’s jelly, is located in the developing umbilical cord of the fetus. Text at the bottom of the screen reads; Functions, 1. Mesenchymal tissue gives rise to all the adult connective tissues. 2. Mucous connective tissue provides support.