What Is The Function Of Dense Regular Connective Tissue – Human body tissues can be classified into 4 main subtypes: epithelial, nervous, muscular and connective (Delforge, 2002). Connective tissue binds cells, other forms of tissue, and organs in a way that provides mechanical support, strength, integrity, and shape to structures found in the body (Delforge, 2002). Finally, connective tissue consists of 3 primary structural components including cells, fibers and ground substance (Delforge, 2002).

Connective tissue cells can be divided into 4 types, which include mast cells (i.e. help mediate inflammation), macrophages, plasma cells (i.e. help neutralize and remove pathogens in the later stages of inflammation) and fibroblasts (i.e. synthesize collagen in the extracellular matrix during the repair process) (Delforge, 2002).

What Is The Function Of Dense Regular Connective Tissue

The extracellular matrix contains fibers that help develop specific properties of connective tissue. The above-mentioned fibers are divided into 3 subtypes: collagen, elastic and reticular (Delforge, 2002). Collagen, a form of protein, provides strength and stiffness, and is the most abundant type of fiber in the body’s musculoskeletal system (Delforge, 2002). Elastic fibers primarily contribute to the tensile and rebound (i.e. elasticity) strength of connective tissue and are therefore found in pliable tissues (i.e. skin). Reticular fibers are less abundant and very thin. However, they provide some degree of support, mainly in organs and glands (ie, liver, spleen) (Delforge, 2002).

Organization Of Connective Tissue

The ground substance forms the third component of the connective tissue. It is characterized by a gelatinous shape and occupies the space between cells and fibrous components of soft connective tissue, providing structural support and lubrication (Delforge, 2002). Ground matter consists of water molecules, proteins and carbohydrates. Together, the aforementioned aggregates of substances are known as glycoproteins, whose purpose is to bind cells to the extracellular matrix and aid in structural support during connective tissue repair (Delforge, 2002).

Ligaments, tendons and joint capsules get their strength from connective tissue. However, there are permutations of connective tissue that serve unique functions. Ligaments, for example, require resilience to tissue loading in a linear direction. Thus, a form of connective tissue exists to meet such a requirement, known as dense regular connective tissue (Delforge, 2002). Collagen, one of the three types of connective tissue fibers, is primarily responsible for the strength and resistance to tension found in dense regular connective tissue (Delforge, 2002).

After the occurrence of connective tissue trauma (i.e., bleeding and hemostasis), 3 phases of repair follow: the inflammatory phase, the fibroplasia phase, and the scar maturation phase (Delforge, 2002). The inflammation phase is characterized by 2 responses: primary and secondary inflammatory response. The purpose of the primary response is to “flood” the injured area through edema, effusion, hyperthermia, and cells (ie, phagocytic), which consume and neutralize invading pathogens (Delforge, 2002). If the body fails to conclude the aforementioned response, it switches to a secondary response whereby the immune system reacts to specific pathogenic agents. The secondary response is characterized by pain and muscle spasm, which are considered neural consequences of a failed primary response (Delforge, 2002).

The secondary stage of connective tissue recovery occurs towards the end of the inflammation stage. This is where the body begins to develop scars over the injured region, a process known as fibroplasia (Delforge, 2002). The secondary stage is also characterized by an event known as wound contraction, whereby the size of the tissue defect decreases. The final phase of the connective tissue response continues the development and remodeling of the newly formed scar in a manner that optimizes structure and function (Delforge, 2002).

Dense Connective Tissue

Ligaments, tendons and joint capsules get their strength from connective tissue. However, there are permutations of connective tissue that serve unique functions. Joint capsules (ie, the shoulder), for example, require resistance to tissue loading in multiple directions because the shoulder has many degrees of freedom. Thus, a form of connective tissue exists to meet such a requirement, known as dense irregular connective tissue (Delforge, 2002). Collagen, one of the three types of connective tissue fibers, is primarily responsible for the strength and resistance to tension found in dense irregular connective tissue (Delforge, 2002). Unlike dense regular connective tissue, which is strong in a linear fashion, dense irregular connective tissue resists tension in multiple directions due to its irregular fiber pattern, making it an ideal candidate for capsules found around joints such as the shoulder (Delforge, 2002).

Dense regular connective tissue contains tightly packed collagen fibers that run parallel to each other. Such configuration and architecture create resistance to tension in a linear fashion (Delforge, 2002). Ligaments and tendons would be examples of structures that require dense regular connective tissue.

Tissue healing can be defined as an innate response to injury whereby dead or lost tissue is replaced by living tissue (Delforge, 2002). Generally speaking, injured tissues heal by a combination of 2 primary mechanisms: regeneration and repair. Regeneration restores tissues to their original structure and function, and is therefore considered the most ideal method of treatment. Repair is characterized by a less than ideal environment for healing and/or whose cells have a limited ability to regenerate. As a consequence, much of the injured tissue is replaced by fibrous scar tissue, which can inhibit full restoration of function (Delforge, 2002). Both healing mechanisms will restore the structure. However, regeneration will restore function to a greater degree because there are more cells (ie, labile and stable cells), dividing and reproducing the original tissue (Delforge, 2002). Connective tissues perform many functions in the body, most importantly, they support and connect other tissues: from the connective tissue sheath that surrounds a muscle, to the tendons that attach muscles to bones, and to the skeleton that supports the body’s position. Protection is another major function of connective tissue, in the form of fibrous capsules and bones that protect sensitive organs. Specialized cells in the connective tissue defend the body against microorganisms that enter the body. Transport of gases, nutrients, wastes and chemical carriers is provided by specialized liquid connective tissues, such as blood and lymph. Fat cells store excess energy in the form of fat and contribute to thermal insulation of the body.

All connective tissues originate from the mesodermal layer of the embryo (see Figure 4.2.2). The first connective tissue that develops in the embryo is the mesenchyme, the stem cell line from which all connective tissues later arise. Clusters of mesenchymal cells are scattered throughout the tissues of the adult and supply the cells needed for replacement and repair after connective tissue injury. Another type of embryonic connective tissue forms in the umbilical cord, called mucous connective tissue or Wharton’s jelly. This tissue is no longer present after birth, leaving only scattered mesenchymal cells throughout the body.

Fibroblasts: Structure, Types, And Function

Connective tissues come in many forms, but they usually share three characteristic components: cells, large amounts of amorphous matter, and protein fibers. Unlike epithelial tissue, which consists of cells that are closely packed together, connective tissue cells are more widely dispersed within the extracellular matrix (ECM). The matrix plays a major role in the functioning of this tissue. The main component of the matrix is ​​the ground substance. This ground substance is usually liquid, but it can also be mineralized and solid, as in bones. The amount and structure of each component correlates with tissue function, from the solid ground substance in bones that support the body to the inclusion of specialized cells; for example, a phagocytic cell that engulfs pathogens and also rids tissue of cellular debris.

Each class of connective tissue is formed from basic cell types. Cells can be found in both active forms (suffix –

), where they divide and secrete the components of the ground substance, and the inactive form (suffix –

). The most common cell in the connective tissue is the fibroblast. Polysaccharides and proteins secreted by fibroblasts combine with extracellular fluids to produce a viscous substance that, with embedded fibrous proteins and cells, forms the extracellular matrix. Chondroblasts and osteoblasts are the primary specialized cell type found in cartilage and bone.

Solved] Nervous Tissue, Areolar Connective Tissue, Dense Irregular…

Adipocytes are cells that store lipids as droplets that fill most of the cytoplasm. There are two basic types of adipocytes: white and brown. Brown adipocytes store lipids as multiple droplets and have high metabolic activity. In contrast, white fat adipocytes store lipids as one large droplet and are metabolically less active. Their efficiency in storing large amounts of fat is witnessed in obese people. The number and type of adipocytes depend on tissue and location, and vary among individuals in the population.

A mesenchymal cell is a multipotent adult stem cell. These cells can differentiate into any type of connective tissue cells needed to repair and heal damaged tissue.

A macrophage cell is a large cell derived from monocytes, a type of blood cell, that enters the matrix of connective tissue from blood vessels. Macrophage cells are an essential component of the immune system, which is the body’s defense against potential pathogens and degraded host cells. When stimulated, macrophages release cytokines, small proteins that act as chemical messengers. Cytokines recruit other cells of the immune system

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