Chap. IV] 



CONNECTIVE TISSUES 



47 



Function - 



Elastic tissue. — Formed of yellow elastic fibres with few bundles of white 

 fibres. It is extensile and elastic. 



■ Areolar tissue connects, insulates, forms protecting sheaths, and 



is continuous throughout the whole body. 

 Fibrous tissue is found in form of ligaments, tendons, apo- 

 neuroses, protecting sheaths, and fasciae. 

 Elastic tissue serves same purpose as India rubber. Saves 

 wear and tear of muscles. Found in ligamenta flava, blood- 

 vessels, air-tubes, vocal cords, lungs, and larynx. 

 Adipose tissue. — ■ Modification of areolar tissue, with cells enlarged and 

 filled with fat. Distribution quite general but not uniform. 



1. Confers graceful outlines. 



2. Forms a reserve fund for the production of heat and energy. 



3. Prevents the too rapid loss of heat. 

 .4. Serves to protect and support delicate organs. 



Reticular tissue. — ■ Network of white fibres with few yellow fibres. Cells 

 wrapped around fibres. 



Lymphoid tisstie. — Reticular tissue with meshes of network occupied by 

 Ijaiiph corpuscles. 



Function. — Lymphoid tissue forms the structure of the spleen and lymph- 

 nodes. Also enters into composition of glands and mucous membranes. 



Cartilage. — Cartilage or gristle is a bluish white tissue, firm and elastic, 



covered and nourished by perichondrium. 



,, ,. ., Articular 



Hyaline cartilage 



Function 



Varieties • 



Skeletal. 



Costal 



2. White fibro-caitilage. 



3. Yellow fibro-cartilage. 



Hyaline — Small number of cells in an abundant quantity of intercellular 

 substance. Found as articular cartilage, covering ends of bones in 

 joints. Found as costal cartilage, connecting ribs and sternum, or one 

 rib with another. 

 White Fi6ro — Intercellular substance pervaded with white fibres. Re- 

 sembles fibrous tissue. Found between spinal and pubic bones. 

 Yellow Fibro — Intercellular substance pervaded with network of yellow 

 elastic fibres. Found in parts of throat and ear. 



Serves as cushions for ends of bones. 

 Makes a flexible connection between 

 the ribs and the sternum, or be- 

 tween one rib and another. 

 Strengthens and maintains shape 

 of certain organs without rigidity. 



(Serves as strong, flexible connecting 

 material between bones, and around 

 some joints. 

 (Strengthens and maintains shape of 

 certain organs, and yet allows of 

 certain amount of elasticity. 



Hyaline Cartilage 



Function 



