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Histology > Chapter 4: Connective Tissue > Flashcards

Chapter 4: Connective Tissue Flashcards

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1
Q

How is a functionally integrated body maintained?

A

The connective tissue forms a linkage with the epithelial, muscular, and nervous tissues to maintain a functionally integrated body.

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2
Q

Connective tissue origin

A

Middle mesodermal layer of the embryonic tissue. From this layer, mesenchymal cells migrate throughout the body, giving rise to connect tissue cells.

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3
Q

What are the characteristics of connective tisssue?

A
  1. Formed of widely separated cells with a large amount of Intracellular matrix.
  2. Penetrated by blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.
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4
Q

What are the functions of the connective tissue?

A
  1. Provides structural support for tissues and organs.
  2. Serves as medium of exchange of metabolic wastes, nutrients, and oxygen between blood and body cells.
  3. Site of fat storage.
  4. Defense and protection of the body by their phagocytic and cells of immunity.
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5
Q

What are the components of connective tissue?

A
  1. Cells
  2. Matrix: soft, rubbery, solid, and fluid.
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6
Q

Solid matrix

A

Bones

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7
Q

Rubbery matrix

A

Cartilage

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8
Q

Fluid matrix

A

Blood

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9
Q

Soft matrix

A

Connective tissue proper.

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10
Q

Connective tissue proper is divided into?

A

Cells:
1. Resident cells
2. Transient cells
Matrix:
1. Fibers
2. Ground substances

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11
Q

Resident Cells of C.T. Proper

A
  1. Fibroblast
  2. Fat cells (adipose)
  3. Mast cells
  4. Macrophages
  5. Reticular cells
  6. Pericytes
  7. UMC
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12
Q

Transient Cells of C.T. Proper

A
  1. Plasma cells
  2. Leukocytes
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13
Q

Resident cells

A

Long lived cells

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14
Q

Transient cells

A

Short lived

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15
Q

Matrix fibers of C.T. Proper

A
  1. Collagen
  2. Elastic
  3. Reticular
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16
Q

UMC site in embryo

A

Unspecialized stem cell

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17
Q

UMC site in adults

A

Remain undifferentiated in certain areas to act as a life-long source for some cells:
In the bone marrow: blood cells.
Around blood vessels: pericytes (perivascular cell).

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18
Q

UMC LM

A
  1. Small branched cell.
  2. Pale basophilic cytoplasm.
  3. Central large oval pale nucleus with visible nucleoli.
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19
Q

UMC EM

A
  1. Many free ribosomes.
  2. Euchromatic nucleus.
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20
Q

UMC function

A

Can divide and differentiate into other types of C.T cells.

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21
Q

Pericyte (perivascular) cells origin

A

UMC

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22
Q

Pericytes site

A

Adult mesenchymal stem cells around blood capillaries.

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23
Q

Pericyte LM

A
  1. Branched with long process.
  2. Pale basophilic cytoplasm.
  3. Central large oval pale nucleus with visible nucleoli.
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24
Q

Pericytes EM

A
  1. Many free ribosomes.
  2. Euchromatic nucleus.
  3. Network of myosin and actin.
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25
Pericytes function
In injury: can divide and differentiate into endothelium, fibroblast, and smooth muscle cells. By contraction: vasoconstriction.
26
Fibroblasts Origin
UMC and Pericytes
27
Fibroblasts site
Most common type of C.T. Cells. Found in nearly all types of C.T. Proper.
28
Fibroblasts shape
Active fibroblasts and inactive fibroblasts (fibrocytes).
29
Active fibroblasts LM
1. Branches of many long thin processes. 2. Deep basophilic cytoplasm. 3. Central large oval pale nucleus with prominent nucleolus.
30
Inactive fibroblasts LM
1. Smaller spindle with few processes. 2. Paler basophilic cytoplasm. 3. Darker nucleus.
31
Active fibroblasts EM
An image of a protein synthesizing cell: 1. Many mitochondria 2. Well developed Golgi apparatus 3. Well developed rER 4. Euchromatic nucleus.
32
Inactive fibroblasts EM
1. Less mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and rER. 2. Nucleus with more Heterochromatin.
33
Active fibroblasts functions
1. Synthesis of C.T. fibers. 2. Synthesis of ground substances of the matrix. 3. Production of growth factors for cell growth and differentiation. 4. Healing and repair of C.T. after injury.
34
Functions of inactive fibroblasts
1. In injury it becomes active, wound healing. 2. Continuous slow turnover of extracellular components to maintain C.T.
35
Adipose cell other names
Fat cell, adipocyte.
36
Origin of adipose cell
UMC
37
Site of adipose cell
1. Unilocular adipose cell - White adipose C.T. 2. Mulilocular adipose cell - Brown adipose C.T.
38
White adipose LM
- Large oval ( 50-150 micrometers). - Fat is stored as one large droplet ( contains dissolved caretnoids) displacing the cytoplasm and nucleus peripherally. - Fat is removed during H and E which gives it a signet ring appearance. - Peripheral flattened nucleus. - Special stain: Sudan III (orange).
39
Brown adipose LM
- Smaller. - Fat is present as multiple small droplets. - No signet ring appearance. - Mostly eccentric, round nucleus. - Pigmented ( Brown color).
40
White adipose EM
1. Abundant sER. 2. Few mitochondria. 3. Large single electron dense fat droplet.
41
Brown adipose EM
1. Less sER. 2. Many mitochondria ( rich in cytochrome oxidase). 3. Multiple small electron dense fat droplets.
42
Functions of white adipose
1. Synthesis and storage of fat. 2. Support of organs such as the kidney. 3. Heat insulation. 4. Endocrine function: secrete leptin hormone, which inhibits food intake and stimulates metabolic rate and loss of body weight.
43
Brown adipose functions
1. Thermogenesis: breakdown of fat to release heat via thermogenesis protein found in their mitochondria.
44
Reticular cell origin
UMC
45
Reticular cell site
At Roma of glands and organs such as the lymph nodes, endocrine glands, and spleen.
46
Reticular cell LM
1. Small Stella tea with many long thin processes. 2. Pale basophilic cytoplasm. 3. Central pale round nucleus with prominent nucleolus.
47
Reticular EM
1. Variable number of organelle depending on its activity. 2. Processes are joined by cell junctions.
48
Reticular cell functions
1. Supportive network of reticular fibers. 2. Secretion of reticular fibers. 3. Turns phagocytic when stimulated by antigen. 4. Antigen presenting cell to activate lymphocytes.
49
Macrophages origin
Monocytes
50
Macrophages site
In C.T. Like bone marrow, bone, brain, liver, lung, lymphoid tissue.
51
Macrophages LM
1. Large irregularly shaped. 2. Pale basophilic cytoplasm. 3. Eccentric, dark kidney shaped nucleus. 4. Special stains: - vital sign: tarpan stain or India ink. 2. Stain is phagocytoses by the cell.
52
Macrophage (histiophage) EM
1. Cell membrane shows pseudopodia. 2. Rich in lysosomes, phagocytosed particles and residual bodies. 3. Prominent Golgi apparatus, few rER. 4. Heterochromatic nucleus.
53
Macrophages functions
1. Phagocytosis and destruction of foreign particles, microorganisms, and dead cells (debris). 2. Multinucleated foreign body giant cell is formed by their fusion to engulf large particles. 3. Antigen presenting cell to activate lymphocytes. 4. Destruction of old RBC’s (liver and spleen).
54
Mast cell origin
UMC
55
Mast cell site
1. Loose C.T around blood vessel. 2. Loose C.T. Under epithelium in lungs and digestive tube.
56
Mast cell LM
1. Large oval cell shape. 2. Basophilic cytoplasm with basophilic granules. 3. Central spherical pale nucleus. 4. Specific stain: granules stained metachromatically (purple or red) by toluidine blue.
57
Mast cell EM
1. Well developed Golgi apparatus. 2. Many mitochondria. 3. Few rER. 4. Electron dense membrane bound granules (secretory vesicles).
58
Mast cell functions
1. Carries surface receptors for IgE and responsible for secretion of: - Heparin: anticoagulant. - Histamine: vasodilation and increased permeability. - Leukotrienes: smooth muscle contraction in bronchial tree (which lead to) bronchial asthma. - Eosinphil chemotactic factor: attracts eosinophils to allergic site.
59
Heparin
Anticoagulant
60
Histamine
Vasodilation and increased permeability.
61
Leukotrienes
Smooth muscle contraction in bronchial tree (which leads to) bronchial asthma.
62
Eosinophil chemotactic factor
Attracts eosinophil to allergic site.
63
Plasma cell origin
B-lymphocyte (make) plasma.
64
Plasma cell sites
Numerous in lymphoid tissue.
65
Plasma cell LM
1. Large oval cell in shape. 2. Deep basophilic cytoplasm with negative Golgi image. 3. Eccentric spherical nucleus containing heterochromatin alternating with lighter areas of euchromatin. This causes a cart wheel or clock face appearance.
66
Plasma cell EM
Picture of protein forming cell: 1. Rich in rER. 2. Well developed Golgi apparatus. 3. Many mitochondria. 4. Euchromatic nucleus. 5. No secretory granules.
67
Plasma cells function
Synthesis and secretion of antibodies.
68
How do allergic reactions occur?
In some people, immune system recognizes harmless antigens (allergens) as foreign bodies. Binding of allergens to IgE on surface of mast cells triggers the release of its secretions leading to allergic reaction or hypersensitivity reaction.
69
How can allergic reactions manifest?
1. Erythema and itching (skin). 2. Runny nose. 3. Bronchospasm (respiratory passages). 4. Vomiting. 5. Diarrhea. 6. Abdominal cramping (gastrointestinal tract).
70
What can massive discharge of mast cells result in?
It can cause a life-threatening anaphylactic shock which will lead to severe vasodilation and increased permeability of blood cells. This results in severe hypotension.
71
Extravasted leukocytes
Leave blood through capillaries to perform there immunity functions.
72
Undifferentiated cells
UMC and Pericytes
73
C.T. Forming cells
Active fibroblasts, inactive fibroblasts (fibrocytes), and reticular cells.
74
Fat containing cells
Unilocular and multilocular adipocytes.
75
Cells responsible for immunity and defense
Macrophages, mast cells, plasma cell, and leukocytes.
76
What are fibers formed of?
Protein molecules polymerized to form thin threads.
77
Collagen fibers structure
Type 1 collagen protein
78
Collagen fibers synthesis
1. Mainly fibroblasts 2. Chondroblast (in cartilage) 3. Osteoblasts (bones)
79
Collagen fibers LM
- Wavy branching bundles formed of non branching fibers. - colorless in fresh sections (white when condensed e.g. tendons).
80
Collagen fibers staining
1. Eosin: pink 2. Mallory’s Trichrome: blue 3. Van gieson: red
81
Collagen fibers characters
1. The strongest fibers 2. Flexible but Inelastic
82
Collagen fibers functions
1. Gives strength 2. Resist stretching
83
Elastic fibers structure
Elastin protein
84
Elastic fibers synthesis
1. Mainly fibroblasts 2. Chondroblast 3. Smooth muscle cell
85
Elastic fibers LM
1. Single, thin and branching. 2. Yellow in fresh sections.
86
Elastic fibers stains
1. Eosin: pink. 2. Orcein: brown. 3. Von Gieson: yellow.
87
Elastic fibers characters
Stretch and recoil.
88
Elastic fibers functions
Give elasticity
89
Reticular fibers structure
Type III collagen
90
Reticular fibers synthesis
1. Mainly fibroblasts 2. Reticular cells 3. Smooth muscle cells
91
Reticular cells LM
Fine fibrillar network (spider net)
92
Reticular cells staining
1. H and E not visible. Due to their high sugar content, they can be stained by: 1. Silver: Brown. 2. PAS: Red.
93
Reticular cells characters
Loose flexible supporting network.
94
Reticular cells functions:
Forms a network in the stream of organs as spleen, lymph nodes, and liver.
95
Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
Due to defective collagen synthesis. It is characterized by: 1. Unhealed wounds. 2. Bleeding gums.
96
Keloid
Local swelling caused by abnormal healing processes leading to increased deposition of collagen in scars of skin.
97
Most common types of collagen
Type 1,2,3,4,7.
98
Type 1 main character
Arranged in bundles.
99
Type 1 main sites
1. C.T proper: tendon. 2. Bone: capsule of organ.
100
Type 1 cells of origin
1. Fibroblasts 2. Osteoblasts
101
Type 2 main character
Fine fibers
102
Type 2 main sites
Cartilage
103
Type 2 cells of origin
Chondroblast
104
Type 3 main character
Reticular fibers
105
Type 3 main sites
Stroma of some organs.
106
Type 3 cells of origin
1. Fibroblasts 2. Reticular cells 3. Smooth muscle cells
107
Type 4 main character
In the form of granules.
108
Type 4 main sites
Basement membrane associated with epithelium.
109
Type 4 cells of origin
Epithelial cells
110
Type 7 main characters
Anchoring fibers
111
Type 7 main sites
Basement membrane associated with epithelium.
112
Type 7 cells of origin
Fibroblasts
113
Types of C.T proper fibers
1. Loose: abundance of ground substances and tissue fluid in which cells and fibers are scattered. 2. Dense: abundance of fibers with fewer cells than in loose type.
114
Loose
1. Loose areolar C.T. 2. Adipose C.T 3. Reticular C.T 4. Mucoid C.T
115
Dense
1. White fibrous C.T. 2. Yellow elastic C.T.
116
Loose (areolar) C.T. Structure
Most common type: 1. All types of C.T. Cells. 2. All types of fibers (mainly collagen bundles). 3. Most abundant matrix.
117
Loose areolar C.T. Characteristics
1. Loose: potential cavities (areolae) which can accommodate a large amount of fluid or gases. 2. Flexible and well vascularized.
118
Loose areolar C.T. Sited
Found everywhere in the body except the brain: 1. Filling spaces between organs. 2. Papillary layer of dermis of skin. 3. Mucosa and serous membrane. 4. Around blood vessels and nerves.
119
Loose areolar C.T. Functions
1. Exchanging of nutrients to and from blood vessels. 2. Binding structures together. 3. Limiting spread of infection.
120
Reticular C.T. Structure
1. Reticular cells. 2. Fine network of reticular fibers. 3. Moderate amount.
121
Reticular C.T. Characters
Delicate type
122
Reticular C.T. Sites
A supporting framework stroma of organs Eg. Lymph nodes, liver, spleen etc
123
Reticular C.T. Functions
Supportive
124
Reticular C.T. Staining
Silver (Ag): brown, black.
125
Mucoid C.T. Structure
1. Mainly fibroblasts. 2. Fine collagen reticular fibers. 3. Large amount of soft, jelly-like, ground substances rich in mucus and Hyaluronic acid.
126
Mucoid C.T. characters
Jelly-like in which ground substances predominates.
127
Mucoid C.T. Sites
1. Umbilical cord (Wharton’s jelly). 2. Vitreous humor of the eye. 3. Pulp of teeth.
128
Mucoid C.T. Functions
Supportive
129
Adipose C.T. Structure
1. Fat cells predominate over other components. 2. Reticular fibers form a fine network that supports individual fat cells and bind together. 3. Collagen fibers divide this tissue into incomplete lobules.
130
Types of adipose C.T.
White adipose C.T. And Brown adipose C.T.
131
Whit adipose C.T. Characters
1. Fat cells are Unilocular. 2. Less vascularity + presence of carotenoids dissolved in fat droplets which gives them the white color. 3. Affected by diet and hormones.
132
Brown adipose C.T. Characters
1. Fat cells are multilocular. 2. Higher vascularity and cytochrome pigments in mitochondria which gives the brown color. 3. Affected by hormones not diet.
133
White adipose C.T. Sites
Widely distributed all over the body: 1. Under the skin especially females as in gluteal region and abdominal wall. 2. Mammary glands. 3. Mesentry. 4. Around kidney or other organs.
134
Brown adipose C.T. Sites
1. Present in large amounts in humans during fetal life and newborns. 2. Lost during childhood to be replaced gradually by white type. 3. In adults, it is localized in certain areas: a. Interscapular b. Mediastinal c. Axillary regions
135
White adipose C.T. Functions
1. Heat insulation. 2. Storage of fat. 3. Support organs as the kidney. 4. Secretion of leptin. 5. Giving the skin its contour.
136
Brown adipose C.T. Functions
1. Heat generation (thermogenesis) in newborns.
137
White fibrous C.T. Cells
Fibroblasts
138
White fibrous C.T. Fibers
Collagen fibers packed in bundles.
139
White fibrous C.T. Matrix
Minimal amount.
140
White fibrous C.T. Characteristics
1. Very dense due to great predominance of collagen fibers with few cells which leads to white color in fresh state. 2. Resistant and less flexible.
141
Types of white fibrous C.T.
Regular white fibrous C.T. And irregular white fibrous C.T.
142
Regular white fibrous C.T.
Regularly arranged collagen bundles with fibroblasts arranged in rows in between.
143
Irregular white fibrous C.T.
Irregularly arranged collagen bundles scattered fibroblasts.
144
Regular white fibrous C.T. Sites
1. Tendons. 2. Cornea.
145
Irregular white fibrous C.T. Sites
1. Reticular layer of dermis of skin. 2. Ligaments. 3. Sclera of the eye. 4. Capsule of organs.
146
Regular white fibrous C.T. Function
Withstanding stretch in one direction.
147
Irregular white fibrous C.T. Functions
Withstanding stretch in different directions.
148
White fibrous C.T staining
1. Eosin: pink. 2. Mallory’s trichrome: blue. 3. Van gieson: red.
149
Yellow elastic C.T. Cells
Fibroblasts
150
Yellow elastic C.T fibers
Condensed parallel elastic fibers.
151
Yellow elastic C.T. Matrix
Small amount
152
Yellow elastic C.T. Characters
1. Dense type with great predominance of elastic fibers which gives it the yellow color in fresh state. 2. Great elastic power (recoil when stretched).
153
Yellow elastic C.T. Sites
1. Aorta and large arteries. 2. Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and around aveoli. 3. Vocal cords. 4. Some ligaments: a. Ligamentum flavum: joining the vertebrae. b. Ligamentum nuchae: at the back of the neck. c. Suspensory Ligaments of penis.
154
Yellow elastic C.T. Functions
Great elastic power.
155
Yellow elastic C.T. Staining
1. Eosin: pink. 2. Orcien: brown. 3. Von Gieson: yellow.

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