Connective Tissues: Definition, Functions, Characteristics, Types, Location & Composition

Connective Tissues: Definition, Functions, Characteristics, Types, Location & Composition – In this discussion we will explain about connective tissue. Which includes the definition of connective tissue, function, characteristics, types, constituents of connective tissue and its location which is explained in full and lightly.

Connective Tissues: Definition, Functions, Characteristics, Types, Location & Composition

For more details, please see the review below carefully.

Definition of Connective Network

Connective tissue is a tissue whose function is to bind, support and bind other parts or organs. The arrangement of connective tissue is composed of cells in the extracellular matrix and the arrangement is scattered.

This connective tissue is a tissue that is found in abundance in the body and has a sparse arrangement of cells and spreads in an extracellular matrix. Connective tissue is formed from mesenchyme which originates from the mesoderm. Mesoderm is the middle layer in the embryo, connective tissue also called supporting tissue or supporting tissue.

Connective Network Function

The function of the connective tissue is as follows:

• Binds and supports other tissues
• Organ protection
• Energy saver
• Body shaper
• Composition of the circulatory system
• Filling of cavities between organs
• Carrier of oxygen and food to other tissues
• Carrier of metabolic waste to the means of excretion
• Immune generator

Connective Tissue Characteristics

The characteristics of connective tissue are as follows:

• The location of connective tissue cells is not adjacent if they are only connected at the ends of their protoplasm
• Has an intracellular component or matrix
• Has a scattered or irregular shape, the cytoplasm is granular and the nucleus of the cell is bulging

Kinds and Locations of Connective Tissues

According to the structure and function, connective tissue is divided into several types or types, including:

Loose Connective Tissue

Loose connective tissue is tissue with sparse cells and some of its tissues are composed by matrix in the form of liquid mucus or mucus which contains collagen fibers and fibers elasting. The characteristics of loose connective tissue are loose arrangement of fibers.

The location of loose connective tissue is in macrophages, plasma cells, mast cells, and fat cells. The function of loose connective tissue is to cover/protect organs, blood vessels and nerves.

Dense Connective Tissue

Dense connective tissue composed of fibroblast cells and has many collagen fibers that are densely arranged and regular. Collagen fibers are flexible but not elastic. The function of connective tissue is to act as a liaison between organs.

Connective tissue is located in the tendons, ligaments, as well as covering bones and the dermis layer of the skin. The function of tendons is to connect bones and muscles, while the function of ligaments is to connect bones to other bones.

Cartilage Tissue

Cartilage tissue in children originates from embryonic tissue which is also called mesenchyme. For adults, the cartilage tissue originates from the lining of the cartilage or perichondrium, which contains many chondroblasts (formers of cartilage cells). Cartilage tissue or called cartilage is composed of:

• Hyaline Cartilage
  It is cartilage which contains chondroblasts and collagen. The color of hyaline bone is bluish-white and transparent. Hyaline cartilage is the largest part of the embryo's skeleton and is present in the larynx, trachea, and sternum. The function of cartilage is to provide strength, support the embryonic framework and also help with movement.
• Elastic Cartilage
  Is a cartilage that has a more flexible structure. In the elastin cartilage there are elastin fibers with a yellow color and perichondrium. The function of elastic cartilage is to provide flexibility and support. Elastin cartilage is present in the embryo, auricle, larynx, outer ear and epiglottis.
• Fibrous Cartilage
  Is cartilage that is very tough and flexible. The function of fibrocartilage is to protect and support. The color of fibrinous cartilage is dark and cloudy. Fibrinous cartilage is found in the spine and tendons

Bone Tissue

Bone is a connective tissue which contains many minerals. Cartilage tissue is made up of bone cells called osteocytes. Osteocytes are present in lacunae and are formed by osteoblasts.

The matrix that makes up bone tissue contains collagen and calcium phosphate, making the structure of bone tissue very hard. When viewed using a microscope, bone tissue consists of units that have blood vessels.

The blood vessels supply nutrients for the growth of bones and nerves. Bone tissue function is to support the body, locomotion, protect organs in the body. There are two types of bones, namely solid bones (bones that do not have cavities like tubular bones) and spongy bones (bones that have cavities like short bones).

Fat Tissue

Fat tissue or adipose tissue is tissue whose function is as fat storage which is a food reserve and body warmer. Fat tissue is loose and the cells are moon-shaped with thin cell membranes. Fat tissue is present in all parts of the body.

Blood Network

Blood tissue is a special connective tissue because of its liquid form. Blood tissue is classified as connective tissue because it has a liquid extracellular matrix, namely blood plasma.

The function of the blood tissue is to carry nutrients, hormones, oxygen and residual products of metabolism and prevent infection. Blood tissue is composed of erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), platelets (blood platelets) and blood plasma.

Lymph Network

Lymph tissue or lymph tissue functions as an immune system and also as a carrier tissue fluids, proteins, fats, mineral salts as well as other substances from the tissues to the vascular system blood. Lymphatic tissue is located in organs such as the thymus, lymph nodes, tonsils and spleen. Lymphatic tissue is composed of reticular and macrophages.

Connective Network Compiler

Composition of connective tissue consists of cells and matrix, the explanation is as follows:

Connective Tissue Cells

Types of connective tissue cells are as follows:

• Fibroblasts
  Fibroblasts are cells that form fibers and their function is to secrete proteins
• Macrophages
  Macrophages are cells that have an irregular shape and function as pinocytosis and phagocytosis. Pinocytosis is the process of ingesting small particles, often liquid waste products. While phagocytosis is the process of eating dead cells and also bacteria.
• Pole Cell
  Pole cells are cells whose function is to obtain heparin and histamine. Heparin functions to prevent blood from clotting. And histamine functions as an increase in blood capillary permeability.
• Fat Cell
  Fat cells function as fat storage Fat cells will form fat tissue or adipose tissue
• Plasma Cells
  Plasma cells are irregular in shape and function against pathogens. Plasma cells are often found in the digestive tract and respiratory tract.

Matrix

The matrix is ​​the basic material for attaching something. The matrix functions as a place to attach something. The matrix consists of fibers and extracellular fluid. These fibers and matrix materials include:

• Collagen Fiber
  Collagen fibers are composed of collagen. The nature of collagen fibers is not elastic, very strong and easily torn if pulled along its length. Collagen fibers exist in tendons which function as a connection between muscles and bones. Apart from tendons, collagen fibers are also found in bones and skin. The main constituent of collagen fibers is collagen protein.
• Elastic Fiber
  Elastic fibers are very elastic and have a high degree of flexibility. The shape of the elastic fiber is long strands and the color is yellow. The properties of elastic fibers are almost the same as rubber. Elastic fibers are located in the blood vessels, ligaments and also the cartilage membranes in the larynx. Elastin fibers consist of elastin which is composed of mucopolysaccharides and proteins and is also surrounded by a glycoprotein called fibrillin.
• Reticular Fiber
  Reticular fibers are very thin and branched. Reticular fibers consist of collagen and are continued by collagen fibers. Reticular fibers are low elastic. These fibers are thinner than collagen and are also coated with glycoproteins. The function of the reticular fiber is to connect connective tissue and other tissues. Reticular fibers are present in the liver, spleen and lymph nodes.
• Basic material
  The basic ingredients of the matrix are sulfated mucopolysaccharides and hyaluronic acid. The matrix will be flexible if it has high hyaluronic acid. For example, joints and matrices will be stiff if they have high mucopolysaccharides, for example in the backbone. The function of hyaluronic acid is to bind water, lubricate, and reduce impact. The main constituent of mucopolysaccharides is sulfate, especially chondroitin sulfate

Thus has been explained about Connective Tissues: Definition, Functions, Characteristics, Types, Location & Composition. Hopefully it can add to your insight and knowledge. Thank you for visiting and don't forget to read our other articles.