Adipose Connective TissueAdipose tissue is “fatty tissue.” The adipose cell atfirst appears star-shaped. When the cell begins to storefat in its cytoplasm, it enlarges, losing its star shape asthe nucleus is pushed to one side (fig. 1-7). When thisprocess occurs to many cells, the other cell types arecrowded out and adipose tissue is formed. Adiposetissue is found beneath skin, between muscles, andaround joints and various organs of the body. Adiposetissue acts as a reservoir for energy-producing foods;helps to reduce body heat loss (because of its poor heatconductivity); and serves as support for various organsand fragile structures, such as the kidneys, bloodvessels, and nerves.Osseous Connective TissueThis type of tissue, known as “bone tissue,” is adense fibrous connective tissue that forms tendons,ligaments, cartilage, and bones (fig. 1-8). These tissuesform the supporting framework of the body.MUSCULAR TISSUEMuscular tissue provides for all body movement.Contracting muscles cause body parts to move. Thethree types of muscle tissue are skeletal, smooth, andcardiac.Skeletal Muscle TissueSkeletal (voluntary) muscle fiber is striated, orstriped, and is under the control of the individual's will(fig. 1-9). For this reason, it is often called “voluntary”muscle tissue. Skeletal muscle tissues are usuallyattached to bones. When muscle fibers are stimulatedby an action of a nerve fiber, the fibers contract andrelax. This interaction between muscle and nervousfibers produces movement.Smooth Muscle TissueThese muscle fibers are smooth, or nonstriated,and are not under the control of the individual's will(fig. 1-10). For this reason, this type of muscle tissue iscalled “involuntary.” Smooth muscle tissue is found inthe walls of hollow organs, such as the stomach,intestines, blood vessels, and urinary bladder. Smoothmuscle tissues are responsible for the movement offood through the digestive system, constricting bloodvessels, and emptying the bladder.1-5CELLMEMBRANEFATDROPLETNUCLEUSHM3F0107Figure 1-7.—Adipose connective tissue.HM3F0108Figure 1-8.—Osseous (bone) connective tissue.HM3F0109Figure 1-9.—Skeletal muscle tissue.HM3F0110Figure 1-10.—Smooth muscle tissue.
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business