Summary Connective Tissue: Structure, Function, and Distribution

The connective tissue – Non specialized / Proper

- Wraps and
Widely distributed
cushions organs.
- Gel like matrix under epithelia of the
- Macrophages
with 3 fiber types. body (lamina propria
phagocytize bacteria
Areolar - Includes all cells of mucous
+ plays important
except plasma and membranes),
role in inflammation.
fat (adipose) cells. packages organs,
- Holds and conveys
surrounds capillaries
tissues fluid.
- Matrix as in
areolar but very
- Provides reserve
sparse.
for food and fuel. Under skin, around
- Closely packed
- Insulates against kidneys and eyeballs.
White fat cells
N0n specialized / proper




heat loss, Supports Breasts and
(adipocytes), have
Connective tissue




and protects abdomen.
nucleus pushed
organs.
aside by fat
Loose Adipose droplet.
- Multilocular
(many lipid
droplets are
- Responsible for Rare in adults,
present within a
Brown thermogenesis abundant in
mature brown
newborns
adipocyte)
- Rich in
mitochondria
- The reticulin fibers + reticulin (brown
form a supportive reticular fibers)
- Reticular fibers
network for several
in typical loose Lymphoid organs
organs particularly
Reticular ground substance. (Lymph nodes,
involved in the
- Reticular cells lie spleen, bone marrow)
production and
on surface.
maturation of blood
cells.