Connective Tissues

Location(s): papillary layer of the dermis of the skin

Main function(s): wraps and cushions organs

Identifiable Characteristic(s):

A: Nuclei of one of the five supporting cells within areolar tissue; this can be either fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, plasma cells, or adipocytes.

Location(s): hypodermis (a.k.a. subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia); padding around eyes and kidneys; breasts

Main Function(s): stores energy; insulates against head loss; provides padding and cushions shock

Identifiable Characteristic(s):

A: Vacuole of Adipocyte (contains fat)

B: Nucleus of Adipocyte

Location(s): lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen; liver; kidneys

Main function(s): provides supporting framework

Location(s): tendons; aponeuroses; ligaments

Main function(s): resists tensile stress (tension) when pulling forces are applied in one direction; provides firm attachment of muscles to bones, or muscles to muscles

Identifiable Characteristic(s):

A: Collagen Fibers

Note: The collagen fibers in dense regular tissue run parallel with each other.

Location(s): reticular layer of the dermis of the skin

Main function(s): provides strength to resist forces from multiple directions; provides structural strength

Identifiable Characteristic(s):

A: Collagen Fibers

B: Nuclei of Fibroblasts

Note: The collagen fibers in dense irregular tissue do not run parallel with each other.

Location(s): walls of aorta

Main function(s): allows recoil of tissue following stretching

Identifiable Characteristic(s):

A: Elastic Fibers

Main function(s): transport of respiratory gases, nutrients, wastes, and defenses such as anti-bodies; fight microbes; blood clotting

Identifiable characteristics:

A: Platelets

B: Red Blood Cells

C: White Blood Cells

Note: See Cardiovascular tab for specifics

Location(s): nasal septum; larynx (voice box); trachea; bronchi; in costal cartilages of the ribs

Main function(s): support and reinforces; serves as resilient cushion; resists compressive forces; reduces friction between bony surfaces

Identifiable characteristics:

A: Chondrocyte - cartilage cell

B: Lacuna(e) - space in which chondrocytes reside

C: Hyaline Cartilage Matrix

Location(s): auricle of the external ear; auditory canal; epiglottis; cuneiform cartilage of the larynx

Main function(s): maintains the shape of a structure while allowing great flexibility

Identifiable characteristics:

A: Chondrocyte - cartilage cell

B: Lacuna(e) - space in which chondrocytes reside

C: Elastic Fibers

Location(s): intervertebral discs; pubic symphysis; menisci in knee joints

Main function(s): tensile strength with the ability to absorb compressive shock

Identifiable characteristics:

A: Chondrocyte - cartilage cell

B: Lacuna(e) - space in which chondrocytes reside

Location(s): bones of the skeleton

Main function(s): supports and protects by enclosing; provides levers for muscle action; stores calcium site for hematopoiesis (blood production)

Identifiable characteristics:

A: Interstitial lamellae

B: Canaliculi

C: Osteocyte - bone cell (resides in a space called lacuna which is not depictable on the image; refer to any cartilage slides to see lacunae)

D: Osteon: functional unit of bone

E: Central canal

F: Concentric lamellae oriented in rings (like a tree trunk) around a central canal

Location of Specific image: Epiglottis