Connective tissue is behind human organs and skin and plays a crucial role. This tissue can keep the body sturdy and flexible and also support other tissues. Check the functions of connective tissue further in the following article.
What are the Functions of Connective Tissue?
Connective tissue can support various other tissues by binding. Extracellular matrix cells are arranged in a diffuse manner which is the constituent of this tissue. There are various types of connective tissue including adipose tissue, cartilage, areolar, blood tissue, dense connective tissue, and bone tissue.
Without connective tissue, the shape of the body cannot be maintained properly. The function of connective tissue is to mechanically connect organs and cells so that the body can be supported. As a histologist, I will explain the complete function of connective tissue. Check the functions of connective tissue at the following points:
1. Energy Storage
There is spare energy stored in the connective tissue. The energy reserves are in the form of lipids or fats that can protect organs from impact and protect the body from heat loss. Adipose tissue is a type of connective tissue that stores energy. There is also loose connective tissue that stores electrolyte reserves, especially Na+ ions and water.
2. Connecting Other Networks
Connective tissue can support and connect other tissues, nerves, and muscles. Cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones are connective tissues that have this function including providing structure to organs.
3. Filling Up Space
Between organs and cells, there are empty spaces filled by connective tissue. Connective tissues with this function include adipose tissue and loose connective tissue. The presence of connective tissue can serve as a cushion to protect organs.
4. Supports Immunity
It is important to check the functions of connective tissue as it relates to immunity. Connective tissue can also support tissue repair and defense, resulting in more optimal immunity. Connective tissue forms scar tissue to repair damaged tissue. Plasma cells, fibroblasts, mastocytes, and macrophages are types of connective tissue with this function.
5. Transportation of Minerals, Oxygen, Hormones, and Antibodies 5
These substances can be transported by connective tissue throughout the body. Blood as a tissue fluid will be in charge of transporting these substances. That way, all organs can meet their respective needs and can function optimally.
6. Wraps Around Other Tissues
Another function of connective tissue is to encase other tissues. Areolar tissue is one of the connective tissues with this function. Areolar tissue can wrap around nerves, organs, and blood vessels. Not only can it keep the organs in the right position but it also protects them from pressure as well.
Another example is the Perichondrium which lines the cartilage including maintaining structure and providing nutrients.
What are The Main Components of Connective Tissue?
The combination of complex components can make connective tissue perform optimal and comprehensive functions. After checking the functions of connective tissue, you also need to know what its main components are. These functions are made possible by the following connective tissue components:
1. Resident Cells & Temporary Cells
What are transient cells? These are cells that hang around temporarily in connective tissue especially when there is damage or injury. Leukocytes are one example of these transient cells. Resident cells remain in the connective tissue and develop there.
The main components of this connective tissue reside in place without migrating to perform their functions. Adipose is an example of a resident cell that stores energy. Another example is Macrophages as immune cells that can destroy pathogens.
2. ECM
The ECM or extracellular matrix is the cellular biochemical and structural support of surrounding cells and is the dominant component. This component of connective tissue is built with several fibers including reticular, elastic, and collagen fibers.
Reticular fibers form a skeleton to support soft tissue cells. Their structure is fine, short, and thin, but they can firmly support organs such as the liver and spleen.
Elastic fibers can support the elasticity and flexibility of body tissues. These long, thin fibers are composed of fibrillin and elastin. The presence of elastic fibers can allow tissues to return to their original shape after being stretched. Common examples are lungs and skin.
Collagen fibers, on the other hand, are strong and pressure-resistant components that can structurally support ligaments, tendons, and bones. These fibers are composed of collagen proteins, especially type I, so they can optimally support tensile strength.
3. Ground Substance
Ground substances can support the transportation of molecules including hormones and nutrients. It is a thick, colorless, transparent gel liquid that can hydrate other tissues. Ground substance in connective tissue also functions to fill empty spaces.
What are The Different Types of Connective Tissue?
Depending on how the extracellular structure of connective tissue is, there are various types of connective tissue that you need to know about. We can divide them into proper and specialized connective tissues.
Besides check the functions of connective tissue, you should know what the types are:
Find out more about the types of connective tissue at the following points:
1. Proper Connective Tissue
Proper connective tissue is further divided into several types, namely dense and loose. The difference in proper connective tissue can be seen from the extracellular matrix factor. Check out the explanation for dense and loose connective tissue:
– Dense Tissue
There are regular and irregular dense connective tissues. In the regular type, the collagen fibers are in the same direction regularly. This tissue has a high tensile strength in one direction. Examples of regular dense tissue are ligaments and tendons.
Unlike the regular type, dense irregular connective tissue is randomly interwoven or unstructured. It provides strength not just in one direction but in all directions such as in glands, organ walls, or the dermis of the skin.
– Loose Tissue
Loose tissue or areolar contains elastic fibers and collagen. This proper tissue can bind various tissues such as the mucous membrane of the urinary tract.
2. Specialized Connective Tissue
The types of specialized connective tissue are more diverse than proper tissue. The types of specialized tissue are as follows:
– Cartilage
Cartilage is embryonic tissue in children or called mesenchyme. It is flexible and found in many areas including the elbow, ankle, nose, and more. Cartilage in adults comes from the perichondrium which contains many chondroblasts.
Chondroblasts are cells that maintain and form the cartilage matrix. Cartilage can be re-differentiated into several types namely fibrous, elastic, and hyaline cartilage. Fibrous cartilage is flexible and very sturdy. Its function is as a support and protector.
Fibrous cartilage is dark in color and is located in the tendons and spine. The structure of elastic cartilage is more flexible because of the perichondrium and elastin fibers. Elastic cartilage can also support and support flexibility. This cartilage is found in the epiglottis, larynx, embryo, and auricle.
Another type of cartilage is hyaline cartilage which is bluish white. Hyaline cartilage is composed of collagen and chondroblasts. Large amounts of cartilage are found in the sternum, trachea, and larynx.
– Reticular tissue
Fibroblasts produce reticular tissue in the reticulum that can bind leukocytes, support the stroma, and filter lymph. The characteristic reticular tissue forms a fine mesh to provide structural support. In addition to fluid and blood cell filtration, reticular tissue also functions for immune cell interaction and transport as well.
– Blood
Blood is also one of the connective tissues. Its function is to transport nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to all parts of the body. This form of connective tissue is fluid so it is different from other types. Blood tissue can be blood plasma, red blood cells, leukocytes, or platelets.
– Bones
This connective tissue is strong so it is used to make up the skeleton of the body. Bone contains many minerals and is made up of osteocytes, cells in the hard matrix of the lacunae. Within the matrix that makes up the bone are calcium phosphate and collagen.
Within the bone tissue are blood vessels that can supply essential substances to support bone growth. In addition to supporting the body, bones can also support movement, and protect organs.
– Adipose tissue
The function of adipose tissue is to protect organs from mechanical stress, maintain body temperature, and store lipids as energy reserves. The location of adipose tissue is in the breast tissue, spinal cord, and under the skin. Adipose tissue is composed of adipocyte cells and there is an extracellular matrix around them.
– Embryonic connective tissue
At the beginning of embryonic development, this tissue is present. There are two types of embryonic tissue, namely umbilical cord and mesenchymal cells. The characteristics of embryonic tissue are gelatin-like and have a soft consistency. The cells in embryonic tissue are not yet fully differentiated so they can develop into other types of tissue.
This specialized tissue can be the basis of tissue development and support the early phase of growth of embryonic structures.
What are the Connective Tissue Diseases?
There are many diseases or medical disorders of connective tissue. Connective tissue diseases can be caused by lifestyle, environment, or heredity. Other causes may not be clearly understood until now. Besides check the functions of connective tissue, you should know what the diseases are:
Connective tissue disease means autoimmune disorders that group and attack specific components of connective tissue. For example, it attacks elastin or collagen. The consequences of these diseases can have a fatal impact on other tissues and organs. Here are some examples of connective tissue diseases:
1. Scleroderma
Scleroderma makes the connective tissue thicken and harden. This symptom is because scleroderma can cause excessive collagen buildup. Scleroderma can affect the skin (locally) or it can also affect internal organs.
Scleroderma sufferers usually complain of impaired circulation, white patches, and skin that becomes stiff.
2. RA or Rheumatoid Arthritis
This autoimmune disease attacks the synovium or inner lining of the joints. The result of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be chronic inflammation accompanied by stiffness, swelling, and pain. If left untreated, the disease can lead to disability as it damages the bone around the joint and cartilage.
3. SLE
SLE or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is more susceptible in women. SLE can affect the lungs, kidneys, brain, heart, joints, and skin. SLE has a wide range of symptoms such as internal organ damage, joint pain, facial rashes, and fatigue.
4. MPA
MPA or Microscopic Polyangiitis is a serious condition and a rare disease. MPA is an inflammation of the blood vessels that can damage the nervous system, lungs, and kidneys. Patients with MPA usually complain of muscle pain, fever, and fatigue in moderate cases.
While in more serious cases, MPA can cause bleeding in the lungs, and kidney failure.
Conclusion
Connective tissue is one of the essential components that can support protection, maintain structure, and transport substances. The main components of connective tissue include matrix fibers (reticular, elastic, collagen), ground substance, temporary cells, and resident cells.
The functions of connective tissue are diverse including connecting tissues, transportation of essential substances, immune support, and filling in empty spaces. Connective tissue is made up of different types, each of which has its function. Types of connective tissue include cartilage, adipose, blood, fatty tissue, dense connective tissue, and loose connective tissue.
If you check the functions of connective tissue, it can be concluded that connective tissue is closely related to the adaptability of the body. Connective tissue can provide healing, elasticity, and mechanical strength.
FAQs
What is the function of adipose tissue?
The many functions of adipose tissue include energy storage, shock absorption, paracrine communication, and thermoregulation. It can also be a perivascular source for optimal tissue renewal.
What is the function of cartilage?
Cartilage can strengthen bones, support bones to be flexible, and resist pressure. Chondrocytes are the main cells in cartilage in the lacunae and are surrounded by collagen matrix.
What is the function of epithelial tissue?
Epithelial tissue lines all body cavities or surfaces. Epithelial tissue functions include filtration, sensory reception, diffusion, excretion, secretion, absorption, and protection.
What is the function of blood tissue?
Blood tissues transport nutrients and oxygen, prevent blood deficiency, and transport antibodies. Blood tissues can also clean or filter blood.
What is the function of connective tissue?
We must check the functions of connective tissue because they are so important. Connective tissue functions include transporting waste, transporting nutrients, defending the body from pathogens, supporting organ function, and regeneration.
AUTHOR BIO
On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
