Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology

Tissues 103

Function Characteristics and Location Morphology

Vascular (liquid blood

tissue) Blood

Transports nutrient and oxygen

molecules to cells and metabolic

wastes away from cells (can be

considered as a liquid tissue).

Contains cells that function in

the body's defense and in blood

clotting.

Blood is composed of two major

parts: a liquid called plasma, and

a solid cellular portion known as

blood cells (or corpuscles). The

plasma suspends corpuscles, of

which there are two major types:

red blood cells (erythrocytes) and

white blood cells (leukocytes). A

third cellular

component (really a cell

fragment) is called platelets

(thrombocytes). Blood circulates

within the blood vessels (arteries,

veins, and capillaries) and

through the heart.

(B)

Erythrocytes Thrombocytes Lymphocyte

(platelets)

Neutrophil Monocyte Basophil

(A) Eosinophil

Source

Walker/Science M.I. ©

(B) Photo

(^) ,
® Learning
Cengage
© (A)
Figure 5- 12 Views of blood, a unique fluid connective tissue.
Function Characteristics and Location Morphology
Lymph
Transports tissue fluid, proteins,
fats, and other materials from
the tissues to the circulatory
system. This occurs through a
series of tubes called the
lymphatic vessels.
Lymph is a fluid made up of water,
glucose, protein, fats, and salt.
The cellular components are
lymphocytes and granulocytes.
They flow in tubes called
lymphatic vessels, which closely
parallel the veins and bathe the
tissue spaces between cells.
Red blood cells^
White blood
cell Blood Lymph capillary
Cells
Lymph
capillary
(^) ®
Learning
Cengage ©
Figure 5- 13 A diagram of a lymph capillary.
Connective Tissue Functions
Connective tissue has many and varied functions:

1. Support: Bones support other tissues of the body.
   On top of bones we find muscle, nerves, blood ves-
   sels, fat, and skin. Cartilage supports our nose and
   forms the bulk of the structure of our ear.
   2. Nourishment: Blood carries nutrients to the cells of
   our body. Synovial membranes in joint capsules
   nourish the cartilage found on top of bones.^
   3. Transportation: Blood transports gases, enzymes,
   and hormones to cells.^
   4. Connection: Tendons connect muscles to bone,
   and ligaments connect bone to bone.