TYPES OF THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE
The connective tissue performs a wide variety of functions throughout the body.
It includes several types and subtypes, but all share the same basic characteristics: they contain cells of mesenchymal origin embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM).
The composition and organization of the ECM vary considerably among the different types and subtypes of connective tissue, giving each one its characteristic structure and functions.
Types of connective tissue
1- Connective tissue proper
This is the most widely type of connective tissue. It is found in many different regions throughout the body.
Connective tissue proper and its various subtypes will be presented beginning on the next page.
2- Specialized connective tissues
This group includes several types of connective tissue each with distinctive extracellular matrix that ise adapted to particular functions.
– Mucous tissue – found mainly in the umbilical cord.
– Elastic connective tissue – contains large amounts of elastic fibers and elastic material. Examples include the walls of the aorta, the penile ligament, and the nuchal ligament of cattle.
– Reticular tissue contains abundant reticular fibers, which form a supporting framework for free cells in hematopoietic and lymphoid organs. Reticular fibers also support fixed cells in several other organs, including the liver, kidneys, and glands.
3- Adipose tissue – composed mainly of adipocytes. It will be studied in Chapter 5.
4- Supporting connective tissues
– Cartilage – will be studied in Chapter 6.
– Bone – will be studied in Chapter 7.
6- Blood and hematopoietic tissue. The blood is considered by many authors to be a type of connective tissue whose extracellular matrix is liquid. Both types will be studied on Chapter 10.
7- Lymphoid tissue – contains cells involved primarily in immune defense. It is found in lymphoid organs and other sites throughout the body. It will be studied in Chapter 12.