Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

4. Tissues & Histology

Classes of Connective Tissue

Anatomy & Physiology

4. Tissues & Histology

Classes of Connective Tissue

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2:27 minutes

Problem 8

Textbook Question

Matrix is a characteristic of which type of tissue?
(a) Epithelial
(b) Nervous
(c) Muscle
(d) Connective

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the term 'matrix' in the context of tissues. The matrix refers to the extracellular material that surrounds cells, providing structural and biochemical support.

Review the characteristics of epithelial tissue. Epithelial tissue primarily consists of tightly packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix, as its main function is to cover surfaces and form barriers.

Examine nervous tissue. Nervous tissue is specialized for communication and consists of neurons and supporting glial cells, with very little extracellular matrix present.

Analyze muscle tissue. Muscle tissue is composed of elongated cells (muscle fibers) that contract to produce movement, and it has minimal extracellular matrix.

Focus on connective tissue. Connective tissue is characterized by a significant amount of extracellular matrix, which can include fibers (like collagen and elastin) and ground substance. This matrix provides structural support and plays a key role in the function of connective tissue.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Tissue Types

Tissues are groups of cells that work together to perform specific functions in the body. The four primary types of tissues are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues. Each type has distinct characteristics and roles, such as protection, support, movement, and communication.

Extracellular Matrix

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a network of proteins and carbohydrates found outside of cells, providing structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells. It is particularly abundant in connective tissue, where it plays a crucial role in tissue strength, elasticity, and cell signaling.

Connective Tissue

Connective tissue is one of the four main tissue types, characterized by its ability to support, bind, and protect other tissues and organs. It is defined by a significant amount of extracellular matrix, which can vary in composition and density, allowing for diverse functions such as storing energy, providing immunity, and facilitating movement.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

A layer of glycoproteins and a network of fine protein filaments that prevents the movement of proteins and other large molecules from the connective tissue to the epithelium describe

(a) Interfacial canals

(b) The basement membrane

(d) Areolar tissue

(e) Squamous epithelium

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Textbook Question

Why does damaged cartilage heal slowly?

(a) Chondrocytes cannot be replaced if killed, and other cell types must take their place.

(b) Cartilage is avascular, so nutrients and other molecules must diffuse to the site of injury.

(d) Chondrocytes divide more slowly than other cell types, delaying the healing process.

(e) Damaged collagen cannot be quickly replaced, thereby slowing the healing process.

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Textbook Question

During a lab practical, a student examines a tissue that is composed of densely packed protein fibers that run parallel to each other and form a cord. There are no striations, but small nuclei are visible. The student identifies the tissue as skeletal muscle. Why is the student's choice wrong, and what tissue is he probably observing?

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Textbook Question

Describe the fluid connective tissues in the human body. What are the main differences between fluid connective tissues and supporting connective tissues?

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Textbook Question

Functions of connective tissue include

(a) Establishing a structural framework for the body

(b) Storing energy reserves

(d) All of these

(e) a and c only.

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Textbook Question

The three major types of cartilage in the body are

(a) Collagen, reticular, and elastic

(b) Areolar, adipose, and reticular