MAIN FEATURES AND COMPONENTS OF THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE – 1
The two images highlight one of the main features of the connective tissue as compared to the epithelial tissue presented in the preceding chapters: 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 of the connective tissue perform very important functions for the performance of this tissue as well as of other tissues, organs and the organism as a whole.
The connective tissue originates from the mesenchyme, a primitive connective tissue with the potential to form various types and subtypes of connective tissue during the embryonic end fetal development.
Mesenchymal cells are initially formed in the intermediate layer of the embryo, the mesoderm, at the end of the first month of intrauterine life of humans. Some portions of the mesenchyme of the head may originate from neural crest cells. Mesenchymal cells persist throughout the life of the individual and may function as stem cells for the replacement or new formation of connective tissue cells.
The connective tissue can be defined as a tissue that is formed by different types of cells and a complex extracellular matrix composed by many different molecular components.
Several types and subtypes of connective tissue exist as a result of various combinations of cells and matrix. These specific combinations result in different structures and copious functions performed by this tissue.
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 of the connective tissue perform very important functions for the performance of this tissue as well as of other tissues, organs and the organism as a whole.
The connective tissue originates from the mesenchyme, a primitive connective tissue with the potential to form various types and subtypes of connective tissue during the embryonic end fetal development.
Mesenchymal cells are initially formed in the intermediate layer of the embryo, the mesoderm, at the end of the first month of intrauterine life of humans. Some portions of the mesenchyme of the head may originate from neural crest cells. Mesenchymal cells persist throughout the life of the individual and may function as stem cells for the replacement or new formation of connective tissue cells.
The connective tissue can be defined as a tissue that is formed by different types of cells and a complex extracellular matrix composed by many different molecular components.
Several types and subtypes of connective tissue exist as a result of various combinations of cells and matrix. These specific combinations result in different structures and copious functions performed by this tissue.
Hyaline cartilage. Staining: hematoxylin and eosin. Medium magnification.
Dense non-modeled connective tissue. Staining: hematoxylin and eosin. Medium magnification. .