1. List down the types of connective tissues and their functions.

The major types of connective tissue are: Loose connective tissue is a mass of widely scattered cells whose matrix is a loose weave of fibers. Many of the fibers are strong protein fibers called collagen. Loose connective tissue is found beneath the skin and between organs. It is a binding and packing material whose main purpose is to provide support to hold other tissues and organs in place. Adipose tissue consists of adipose cells in loose connective tissue. Each adipose cell stores a large droplet of fat that swells when fat is stored and shrinks when fat is used to provide energy. Adipose tissue pads and insulates the animal body. Blood is a loose connective tissue whose matrix is a liquid called plasma. Blood consists of red blood cells, erythrocytes, white blood cells, leukocytes, and thrombocytes or platelets, which are pieces of bone marrow cell. Plasma also contains water, salts, sugars, lipids, and amino acids. Blood is approximately 55 percent plasma and 45 percent formed elements. Blood transports substances from one part of the body to another and plays an important role in the immune system of the animal. Collagen (from the Greek kolla, meaning "glue," and genos, meaning "descent") is a dense connective tissue, also known as fibrous connective tissue. It has a matrix of densely packed collagen fibers. There are two types of collagen: regular and irregular. The collagen fibers of regular dense connective tissue are lined up in parallel. Tendons, which bind muscle to bone, and ligaments, which join bones together, are examples of dense regularconnective tissue. The strong covering of various organs, such as kidneys and muscle, is dense irregular connective tissue. Cartilage (from the Latin cartilago, meaning "gristle") is a connective tissue with an abundant number of collagen fibers in a rubbery matrix. It is both strong and flexible. Cartilage provides support and cushioning. It is found between the discs of the vertebrae in the spine, surrounding the ends of joints such as knees, and in the nose and ears. Bone is a rigid connective tissue that has a matrix of collagen fibers embedded in calcium salts. It is the hardest tissue in the body, although it is not brittle. Most of the skeletal system is comprised of bone, which provides support for muscle attachment and protects the internal organs.

http://www.answers.com/topic/what-are-the-major-types-of-connective-tissue-and-theirfunction#ixzz2DLirFygR

2. What are the components of connective tissue? Describe each component.

1. Cells - All cell types associated with connective tissues may be seen in areolar. a. Fibroblasts - are the most numerous cells in areolar. The cells are large, flat and branching or spindle-shaped. The nucleus is oval and pale in stained smears. The cytoplasm is highly basophilic in young cells indicating increased protein synthesis. In older cells protein synthesis is reduced. Fibroblasts tend to be fixed except during regeneration. Then the cells exhibit slow, gliding movements. b. Macrophages - are most abundant in richly vascular areas. The cells are irregular with short blunt processes. Active or "angry" macrophage show numerous pseudopodia. The nucleus is ovoid and usually indented. The cytoplasm is dark staining with many vacuoles. c. Adipocytes or fat cells can be found scattered throughout areolar tissue. When they make up the major component of a region it is called adipose tissue. Each cell is enmeshed in a "basket" of reticular fibers. d. Mast cells - are found throughout connective tissues but are concentrated near blood vessels. They are easily recognized by their numerous cytoplasmic granules. These granules stain with basic dyes and PAS (periodic acid - Schiff reagent. The granules contain heparin and histamine primarily. e. Leukocytes - There are three types of leukocytes commonly found in areolar C.T.: i. Lymphocytes - are small wbcs about 7um with a large spherical nucleus. Their cytoplasm is basophilic. They can be found in abundance within the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive systems. They make up the bulk of the lymphoid nodules in the lamina propria of these tracts. ii. Eosinophiles - are granulocytic wbcs. The nucleus is bilobed. The cytoplasm contains orange acidophilic granules. Eosinophiles are especially abundant in the lamina propria of the digestive and respiratory tracts. They are associated with tissues which play a major role in allergic reactions. iii. Plasma cells - are oblong cells whose nucleus is at one end. The nucleus shows a spoke-like pattern of chromatin. Extensive ER indicates a great deal of protein synthesis. iv. Melanocytes - can be found in areolar tissue although their function is not well understood there. Generally, they are responsible for the manufacture of melanin. 2. Fibers - all fiber types are represented: f. a. Collagenous are the most abundant. b. Elastic fibers are not as common. c. Reticular fibers are generally found where areolar borders on other tissues, especially near basement membranes.

3. Ground Substance - is characterized as an amorphous jelly thought to occur in sheet-like lamellae.