It is a connective tissue, which is part of histology, it is made up of a diverse group of organic tissues that all descend from the embryonic mesenchyme. Since it connects to epithelial and muscle tissues, this tissue is known as supporting tissue. In addition, it supports fills the gaps between organs and cells, represents a reserve of nutrients and stores lipids. We will further explore this concept below.
What is the definition of connective tissue?
Connective tissue is defined as a group of tissues that They are organic filling and connection of the organism. Therefore, it links, divides and can support the members that are in the body of a living being.
Collagen, elastin, and reticulin fibers make up various areas of connective tissue, which is usually fibrous in style. looks like a matrix that has variety in its consistency and is composed of sugars, salts, water and polypeptides.
Connective tissue cells may be located far apart from each other and may or may not be capable of performing particular tasks, such as making enzymes. Other substances are also present they regulate things like defense cells.
Usually, when we refer to connective tissue, we refer to its structural and functional aspects. Athough it does not seems, blood has been considered a type of tissue connective of liquid matrix.
The human body requires different types of tissues, which are categorized by the functions they perform. are essential to hold all its parts together. Connective tissue is one of them and has some essential elements that are:
- cells
- intercellular substance
- fibers
The extracellular matrix is made up of both the intercellular substance and the fibers. One organ compared to another has very different combinations of these three components. This offers a wide variety of connective tissue types.
The perichondrium is an amorphous membrane of connective tissue that surrounds the hyaline and elastic cartilage in the form of a capsule. Except where cartilage meets bone and articular facets, the perichondrium completely surrounds it. the perichondrium it does not cover fibrocartilage or articular cartilage.
An external fibrous layer and an internal one called chondrogenic are those that form the perichondrium. Therefore, the dense connective tissue membrane consists of fibroblast cellswhich are its main component and are essential for the creation of collagen fibers.
What is the function of connective tissue?
The primary job of connective tissue is to help the body’s systems work together, providing support, unity, separation, and a logistical means of communication. For example, connective tissues divide and sustain members which are in the abdominal cavity, and distribute nervous and vascular structures between them.
In addition, specialized tissues contain cells related to blood formation and the body’s defense, called lymphoid and hematin cells, which help in the creation of various cells and produce specific substances to regulate the internal processes of the organism.
Some of the most relevant functions of connective tissue are the transport of substances within the body, support and envelope, protection, insulation and reserve fuel storage.
How is connective tissue formed?
To carry out their functions, these important tissues need a variety of components.
They contain numerous cells within, each of which has the ability to divide and produce numerous additional cells. So we find many types of cells, such as fat cells, cells that form tissue, and cells that help fight infection, such as mast cells and macrophages.
Through the presence of different fibers, they adapt to the flow of the organism. Furthermore, the function of each tissue is determined by a matrix that have. Therefore, both the cells and the organism transport substances and matrix, among others. So, a connective tissue is formed through:
- cells widely separated from each other that have the ability to divide and manufacture the extracellular matrix.
- collagen fibers that provide resistance and elastin.
- the extracellular matrix of gelatinous consistency that fills the gaps between cells and fibers. It is composed of mineral salts, water, sugars and polypeptides.
What is the connective tissue cell?
It is made up of cells enclosed in a liquid compartment known as the extracellular matrix, just like all other types of tissue. Fibroblasts are primordial cells found in the connective layer. The extracellular matrix is created and maintained by these cells. In addition to fibroblasts, there are many other types of cells, such as immune cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and mast cells.
Specialized tissue has specific cells, such as chondrocytes in cartilage and osteocytes in bone. It is also composed by a viscous gel containing water, proteins and other substances. These are what give it its viscous properties. It has the power to process various amounts of water and generate nutrients, hydration, diffusion and nutrition.
Collagenous, elastic and reticular protein fibers are the three different varieties:
- Collagen I It is laid down by the majority of many collagen fibers. It is the most common of the protein type fibers and gives tissues rigid and resistant sectors.
- Collagen type III creates the reticular fibers, which are small, delicate fibers. Organs, such as arms, kidneys, and lymph nodes, are organized into mesh networks.
Elastin is the protein that gives tissues their ability to stretch and bend, forming elastic fibers. The areas of veins, arteries, cartilage, as the ligament are the places where they are mainly found. It is also found in the lungs and skin.
Where is connective tissue located?
The location of the connective tissue depends on the type of tissue. In general, it is found in the organs of the body, providing protection, structure and support to many different tissues. Connective tissue functions as a storehouse for fats and transports nutrients. Therefore, it helps repair conjunctiva layer complications. Fat, bone, blood, and cartilage are part of connective tissue.
Dense tissue is found in tendons, ligaments, and the dermis of the skin. In addition, it is found in the sclera of the eye. In it baby umbilical cord Unspecialized tissue composed of fibroblasts is found in the blood vessels.
What are the characteristics of connective tissue?
The descriptive features of connective tissue are:
- is the fabric more abundant and distributed in the body.
- It is composed of fibers, cells and extracellular matrix.
- Could be specialized or soft
- Provides support and protection.
- Has a join function among other tissues.
- Can store reserve fuel and act as an insulator.
- transport substances through the body.
- The levels of vascularity vary, being avascular in the case of cartilage.
- fibroblasts are cells important in the production of the extracellular matrix.
- has a great regeneration ability.
- Contains a amorphous extracellular substance, in addition to other intercellular materials.
What are the types of connective tissues?
The following categories are applied to connective tissue in congruence with its unique features.
Specialized.
Specialized tissues have a unique structure and are designed to perform specific functions. Each type of specialized tissue is made up of specialized cells that work together to perform a specific task. For example, bone tissue is designed to bear weight and protect vital organs, while muscle tissue is designed to allow movement and generate force. Each type of specialized tissue has its own distinctive characteristics and is adapted to perform a unique task. Within this type are:
The loose connective tissue has with tall cells and extracellular elements of the matrix, these are:
- The mucous connective It dominates the ground substance and is composed of hyaluronic acid.
- The reticular connective it contains collagen and forms a network-like lattice, as seen in bone marrow and spleen.
- the mesenchyme It is rich in mesenchymal cells, which form various cells of each tissue.
fibrous tissue, also known as dense, It is divided into two types according to the distribution of its fibers:
- Regular dense.
- irregular dense.
The unspecialized
It is composed of tissues with connection and has support, They also fill the body. In these areas are found according to nature:
- Woven bone.
- lymphatic tissue.
- Adipose type tissue.
- Tissues that are cartilaginous.
- blood tissues.
What is loose connective tissue?
This type of tissue is soft and flexible and contains a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid, which is its main component. Average levels of macrophages and fibroblasts are unevenly dispersed throughout the gelatinous matrix.
The element known as Wharton’s jelly is rare to find in adults. It is present in the umbilical cord of the baby, as well as in small amounts in the dental center. Within the loose tissue are the reticular, adipose, and mesenchymal connective tissues.
Vascular supply is abundant in loose connective tissue. This can be found in the arteries, urinary and respiratory systems. Besides, usually found in the area with mucosa of the wall of the digestive tract and below the epithelium.
Loose connective tissue supports and lines cells. Shapes the dermis of the skin, fills and involves a series of organs and feed them all. It also has a protective purpose.
Examples of connective tissues
Some examples can be evidenced in the reactions that attack the tissue, such as diseases. connective tissue can contribute to numerous diseases with various causes and origins. These conditions are collectively known as tissue disorders, which include:
- Congenital diseases: Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
- mitral valve prolapse
- Mixed connective tissue disease: Autoimmune disease identified by the presence of antibodies.
- Scurvy: generated by a lack of vitamin C.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Neoplasms.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Bursitis.
- Arthritis.
Connective tissue transports nutrients from the blood capillaries to the different tissues and vice versa. Also, you can release some metabolic waste that are found in the blood.
