MAIN FEATURES AND COMPONENTS OF THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE – 1
The two images highlight one of the main features of the connective tissue: the presence of a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM) between its cells.
Place the cursor or click on the images: the ECM will be highlighted in blue and the cells in red.
Both, the cells and the matrix, perform very important functions for the performance of this as well that of other tissues, organs and the organism as a whole.
The connective tissue originates from the mesenchyme, a primitive connective tissue that has the potential to form several types and subtypes of connective tissue, especially during the embryonic end fetal development.
Mesenchymal cells are initially formed in the the mesoderm, the intermediate layer of the embryo, at the end of the first month of intrauterine life of humans. Some portions of mesenchyme of the head may originate from neural crest cells. Mesenchymal cells persist throughout the life and may function as stem cells for the replacement or formation of new connective tissue cells.
Besides a strutural function, supporting the whole body, it is present in most tissues and organs to which it conveys blood and lymphatic vessels as well as nerves.
The connective tissue contains different types of cells and a complex extracellular matrix composed by variouskinds of molecules. Several types and subtypes of connective tissue exist as a result of diverse combinations of cells and different compositions of their extracellular matrix. These specific combinations result in distinctive structures and functions performed by its various types .
Place the cursor or click on the images: the ECM will be highlighted in blue and the cells in red.
Both, the cells and the matrix, perform very important functions for the performance of this as well that of other tissues, organs and the organism as a whole.
The connective tissue originates from the mesenchyme, a primitive connective tissue that has the potential to form several types and subtypes of connective tissue, especially during the embryonic end fetal development.
Mesenchymal cells are initially formed in the the mesoderm, the intermediate layer of the embryo, at the end of the first month of intrauterine life of humans. Some portions of mesenchyme of the head may originate from neural crest cells. Mesenchymal cells persist throughout the life and may function as stem cells for the replacement or formation of new connective tissue cells.
Besides a strutural function, supporting the whole body, it is present in most tissues and organs to which it conveys blood and lymphatic vessels as well as nerves.
The connective tissue contains different types of cells and a complex extracellular matrix composed by variouskinds of molecules. Several types and subtypes of connective tissue exist as a result of diverse combinations of cells and different compositions of their extracellular matrix. These specific combinations result in distinctive structures and functions performed by its various types .
Hyaline cartilage. Staining: hematoxylin and eosin. Medium magnification.
Dense non-modeled connective tissue. Staining: hematoxylin and eosin. Medium magnification. .