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Tissue in the Human Body Essay

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Connective Tissue

Connective tissues are found all over our bodies. Generally, they are located in blood, fat, and between muscles and bones. The matrix is the substance that surrounds the cell. Matrices can be fluid or solid, depending on where they are found. They also are found to have varying degrees of vascularity. For example, a bone would be very vascular while cartilage is avascular. Two good property the cells of connective tissue have is that they can divide and repair themselves. The functions of these tissues are: to bind structures, support, protect, serve as framework, store fat, produce blood cells and repair damage.

Cell Types

There are three major cell types of connective tissue: Fibroblasts, Macrophages, …show more content…

The proper types of connective tissue are: Loose CT or Areolar, Adipose (fat), Reticular, Dense, and Elastic. Loose or Areolar tissues are made up of mostly fibroblast cells and collagen fibers. Their matrices are fluid, and their purpose is to bind skin to structures. Areolar tissues are found between muscles and beneath the skin. Adipose tissues are made up of mostly adipocyte cells and have no fibers; they also have minimal matrix. Their functions are to store fat, insulate, and cushion. Adipose tissues are found behind the eyes and beneath the skin. Reticular tissues are made up of mostly fibroblasts and white blood cells, and they have reticular fibers. Their matrices are jelly-like. Their function is support. Reticular tissues are found in the walls of the liver and spleen and other lymphatic organs. Dense connective tissues are made up of fibroblasts and packed collagenous fibers as well as elastic fibers. Their matrices are more solid. Their function is binding. Dense connective tissues are found in tendons and ligaments. Elastic connective tissues are made up mostly of fibroblast cells and elastic and collagenous fibers. Their matrices are also jelly-like. Their function is attaching and stretching. Elastic tissues are found in airways, the heart, and large arteries.

As I mentioned before there are also three types of specialized connective tissues: Bone, Cartilage, and Blood. Bone

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