| Connective Tissue Type | Functions | Structure | Examples |
| Loose Connective Tissue | Supports and binds organs, holds tissue fluids | Consists of a gel-like matrix with scattered fibroblasts Collagen Elastin fibers | · Areolar tissue (underlies epithelia) · Adipose tissue (fat storage) · Reticular tissue (internal framework of soft organs) |
| Dense Connective Tissue | Provides strength and support | Composed of densely packed collagen fibers with fibroblasts in between | · Dense regular tissue (tendons for muscle-to-bone attachment) Dense irregular tissue (dermis of skin for strength in multiple directions) |
| Blood | Transports oxygen, nutrients, waste products | Liquid plasma matrix with red and white blood cells and platelets | · Red blood cells (carry oxygen) White blood cells (immune defense) · Platelets (clotting), Plasma (fluid portion) |
| Bone Tissue | Supports and protects body structures Stores minerals | Rigid matrix of mineralized collagen fibers (hydroxyapatite), contains osteocytes in lacunae | · Compact bone (dense outer layer) · Spongy bone (honeycomb-like inner layer) |
| Cartilage | Provides structure and cushioning | Firm matrix with chondrocytes trapped in lacunae Lacks blood vessels | · Hyaline cartilage (covers ends of bones) · Elastic cartilage (external ear) Fibrocartilage (intervertebral discs) |
| Adipose Tissue | Stores energy insulates Cushions | Large cells filled with fat droplets Limited extracellular matrix | · White adipose tissue (energy storage) · Brown adipose tissue (heat production in infants) |
| Reticular Tissue | Supports framework of certain organs | Network of reticular fibers and cells (reticular cells and fibroblasts) | · Found in lymph nodes (supports immune cells) · Spleen (filters blood) · Bone marrow (supports blood-forming cells) |
| Hematopoietic Tissue | Produces blood cells | Highly cellular tissue within bone marrow cavities | · Produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets |
| Lymphoid Tissue | Houses immune cells, Produces antibodies | Network of reticular fibers with lymphocytes and other immune cells | · Lymph nodes (filter lymph) · Tonsils (trap pathogens) · Spleen (filters blood, immune response) |
Which of the following is not a connective tissue?
QUESTION: Which of the following is not a connective tissue?
A Blood
B Heart muscle
C Tendon
D Cartilage
ANSWER: Heart muscle