- binding and support

-Connective tissue proper

-All have common embryonic origin: all arise from mesenchyme tissue as their tissue of origin

-Ground substance

unstructured gel-like material that fills space between cells

1. Collagen

strongest and most abundant type of protein fiber, tough; provides high tensile strength

networks of long, thin, elastin fibers that allow for stretch and recoil

short, fine, highly branched collagenous fibers

Immature form of cell that actively secretes ground substance and ECM fibers

mature, less active form of "blast" cell that now becomes part of and helps maintain health of matrix

immature cells that secrete the proteins of the fibers.

immature cells found in cartilage

immature cells found in bone

cells that initiate local inflammatory response against foreign microorganisms they detect

phagocytic cells that "eat" dead cells, microorganisms; function in immune system

most widely distributed CT, found below the surface of the skin

closely packed adipocytes, or fat cells, have nucleus pushed to the side by large fat droplet

use lipid fuels to heat bloodstream rather than to produce ATP

connective tissue that contains reticular fibers and cells; used to make the framework of major organs

very high tensile strength, closely packed bundles of thick collagen fibers run parallel to direction of pull, very few cells and ground substance, mostly fibers, poorly vascularized

most abundant type of cartilage; appears as shiny bluish glass,

type of cartilage similar to hyaline but with more elastic fibers, found in ears and epiglottis

type of cartilage with properties between hyaline and dense regular tissue; strong - found in areas such as intervertebral discs and knee

-Also called osseous tissue

-Fluid connective tissue