Chapter 4
Question 34-Describe the types of connective tissue found in the body, and indicate their characteristic function

1)The first type of connective tissue was an embryonic connective tissue, and called the mesenchyme. This is the first tissue that is formed from the mesoderm germ layer. This starts to form in the first weeks of the embryonic development period. It then changes into many different types of other connective tissue. The mucous connective tissue is similar to wharton's jelly which supports the umbilical cord, is a good example of it
2)The second kind is connective tissue proper. There are two subclasses, loose, and dense connective tissue. a) Areolar connective tissue-It has special jobs that it does. They are to support and bind other tissues, hold body fluids, defend against infection, and store nutrients as fat. This tissue has very lose fibers. The rest of it is occupied by empty space that makes up the rest of the matrix. b) Adipose (fat) tissue-It has similar function and structure to areolar tissue, but adipose tissue is much better at storing nutrients. This tissue has a high metabolic rate, since it is richly vascularized. It has closely pact cells and can develop anywhere there is areolar tissue is. c) Reticular connective tissue-These fiber cells are spread out around the body, as the tissue is limited. It forms a stroma, which is an internal framework, that supports free blood cells in the lymph nodes,spleen and bone marrow. d) Dense regular connective tissue-The fibers of this tissue is called fibrous connective tissues. The fibers run in the same way and are very big and strong. The tissue forms tendons, and ligaments that have elastic connective tissue. e) Dense irregular connective tissue-This has the same structure as the regular dense tissue, but these fibers are much thicker. The fibers run in all different directions, and found in the dermis and fibrous coverings surrounding the tetes, kidneys, bones,nerves etc.