Question

Pick one specific type of connective tissue and describe in detail its appearance/cellular components/matrix and state two locations and functions of that tissue type.

Answer 1

Blood

Blood is a specific type of connective tissue. It is a fluid connective tissue. It is considered as a connective tissue because - as in the case of all connective tissue blood is also Mesodermal in origin and have a fluid matrix, Plasma. Its normal Ph is 7.4. Blood make up about 8 % human body weight.

Blood Composition

Blood consists two main components,

* Plasma -55 %

* Formed Elements - 45 %

Plasma contains 92 % water and remaining 8 % proteins, electrolytes, metabolic nutrients, waste products, hormones. The proteins include albumin, immunoglobins, fibrinogens. Albumin is the major protein in blood and is involved in regulation of osmotic pressure.

Formed elements include red blood cells ( 98 % ) , White blood cells and platelets ( 1-2 % ). Red blood cells or erythrocytes contain Haemoglobin, a pigment which helps in transportation of gases. The white Blood cells include Granulocytes and Agranulocytes based on the presence or absence of granules.

The matrix of blood is Plasma.

Blood is located in blood vessels. Blood is pumped by the heart to different parts of the body.

Functions of Blood

* Supply oxygen to tissues

* Regulation of body Ph

* Regulation of body temperature

* Supply nutrients to the cells.

* Removal of wastes.

* Immunity providing- White blood cells

* Transport hormones to target tissues.