Connective Tissue

Tissues are groups of cells with a common structure (form) and function (job). There are four main tissues in the body – epithelium, muscle, connective tissue and nervous tissue.

Connective Tissue Functions (jobs):

• Wraps around and cushions and protects organs
• Stores nutrients
• Internal support for organs
• As tendon and ligaments, it protects joints and attaches muscles to bone and each other
• Runs through organ capsules and in deep layers of skin giving strength

The 3 Structural Elements of Connective Tissue:

1) Ground substance – gel around cells and fibers

2) Fibers – provide strength, elasticity and support

3) Cells

The Special Connective Tissues

1) Cartilage

Cartilage Functions (jobs):

• provides strength with flexibility while resisting wear, i.e. epiglottis, external ear, larynx
• cushions and shock absorbs where bones meet, i.e. intervertebral discs, joint capsules

2) Bone

Bone Functions (jobs):

• provides framework and strength for body
• allows movement
• stores calcium
• contains blood-forming cells

3) Blood

Blood Functions (jobs):

• transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients around the body
• immune response