Types of Connective Tissues

1. What distinguishes connective tissues from other tissues?

Connective Tissues (CT) differs from other types of tissues because they have the extracellular matrix, which comprises of ground substance and fibers. Besides, CT is different from other tissues because it is the most abundant in the body and performs roles such as binding, connecting and supporting other tissues or organs in the body.

2. What term is used to describe the network of fibers in spongy bones?

Trabecula is the term that is used to describe the network of fibers in a spongy bone.

3. Name the three categories of connective tissue as it relates to their function?

The three groups of connective tissue are blood, bone and cartilage. The three groups above play a critical role in providing support, binding and connecting other tissues or organs in the body.

4. When an osteoblast is surrounded by a matrix, what is it called?

When an osteoblast is surrounded by a matrix it is called an osteocyte

5. Name the three types of cartilage and explain the differences?

The three types of cartilage are elastic, hyaline and fibrocartilage. Elastic cartilage is found in the external ear (auricle) and in epiglottis where it maintains the shapes of the structures. On the other hand, hyaline is relatively abundant compared to other types of cartilage and it provides pads for shock absorption and it is found in the embryonic skeleton, nose, trachea and larynx.  Elastic cartilage is more flexible compared to hyaline cartilage. Fibrocartilage (which is a mixture of hyaline cartilage and dense connective tissues) is compressible and properly resists tension hence found in body parts (such as knee meniscus and intervertebral discs of vertebrates) that require strong support and substantial capacity for withstanding significant pressure.

6. What type of connective tissue is the primary component of bone and cartilage?

The type of connective tissue which is the primary component of bone and cartilage is adipose tissue.

7. In which bone type are osteons found and what do they look like?

Osteons are found in compact bones and they (osteons) look like rings that have light spots at the centre. An osteon constitutes of concentric layers (lamellae) and a compact tissue which surrounds a central canal (Haversian canal). The Haversian canal contains channels through which blood in the bone flows.