Specialised Connective Tissue

What Are The Specialiced Connective Tissues?

Supportive connective tissues are a type of connective tissue that have special organization and function, which are very crucial in performing their duties, including support, protection, integration, transport, reservoir of energy, and immune response.

Types Of Specialised Connective Tissue

The types of specialised connective tissues are cartilage, bone, blood, lymph, and adipose tissue. Each of them has its characteristics and functions.

Cartilage

It is a flexible connective tissue found in many parts of the body, whereby it supports and cushions.

Hyaline Cartilage

• Appears smooth and glassy.

• Found in joints, respiratory tract, and nose

• This enables easy movement and provides a smooth surface thus giving flexibility and support

Elastic Cartilage

• Compromised elastic fibers.

• Located in the ear, epiglottis, and larynx.

• The tissue provides the strength and boost of elasticity.

Fibrocartilage

• Dense with collagen fibres.

• Located in intervertebral discs, menisci, and pubic symphysis.

• Its function can provide firm support and bear pressure.

Structure And Composition

• Cartilage cells are called chondrocytes.

• They occur in spaces called lacunas.

• It is a matrix that contains collagen fibres, and proteoglycans.

Functions And Locations In The Body

• It provides resilience and support in the joints.

• It provides smooth surfaces to reduce friction.

• It works in cushioning the bones at the joints.

Disorders Related To Cartilage

• Osteoarthritis

• Chondromalacia patellae

Bone

Bone is a solid, toughened connective tissue that makes up the skeleton, a structural support framework for the body.

Compact Bone

• Dense and strong

• Forms the outer layer of bones

• Provides strength and support

Spongy Bone

• Porous and lightweight

• Found inside bones, particularly at the ends of long bones

• Reduces bone weight and contains marrow

Activities And Locations In The Body

• Support and protection of organs.

• Provides an anchoring point for muscles to attach and allows for movement.

• Stores minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.

Bone Remodeling Process

• Is an ongoing process in that bone is resorbed and replaced.

• Osteoclasts: resorb bone

• Osteoblasts: form bone are involved

Common Bone Diseases

• Osteoporosis

• Paget's disease

Blood

Liquid connective tissue that plays an essential role in the transportation of many compounds within the body.

Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes)

• Contain haemoglobin: transports oxygen

White Blood Cells (Leukocytes)

• Part of the immune system

Platelets (Thrombocytes)

• Involved in blood clotting

Plasma

• Liquid portion that contains mostly water, proteins, and other solutes.

Functions And Importance

• Transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste products

• Maintains body temperature and pH

• Protects against illness and infection

Blood Types And Transfusions

• Blood group systems (e.g. ABO, Rh)

• Compatibility is important for safe transfusions.

Blood Disorders

• Anemia

• Leukaemia

Lymph

Lymph is a connective tissue fluid integral to the immune system.

Composition

• Semi-transparent fluid containing a high concentration of lymphocytes (WBCs)

• Transports fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system

Function In The Immune System

• Filters pathogens and wastes through lymph nodes.

• Produces and circulates lymphocytes.

Common Lymphatic Disorders

• Lymphedema

• Lymphoma

Adipose Tissue

Adipose tissue is a specialised type of connective tissue that is used to store fat.

White Adipose Tissue

• Stores energy as fat

• Insulates and cushions the body

Brown Adipose Tissue

• Generates heat by burning fat

• More common in infants

Structure And Function

• Adipocytes, or fat cells, store lipids

• Insulation and energy storage

• Role in Energy Storage and Insulation:

• Stores excess

Disorders Of Adipose Tissue

• Obesity is the result of an energy imbalance where excess energy is stored as fat

• Lipodystrophy is an abnormal distribution of fat.

Functions Of The Specialised Connective Tissue

Specialised connective tissues have a great deal of functions toward the health and maintenance of the human body.

• Body Support and Form

• Bones and Cartilage form part of the framework of the body

• They provide a hard structure

• Organs are protected by bones

• Blood flows through bones to initiate blood cell formation

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