Connective Tissue

Tissues are groups of cells with a common structure (form) and function (job). There are four main tissues in the body – epithelium, muscle, connective tissue and nervous tissue.

Connective Tissue Functions (jobs):

• Wraps around and cushions and protects organs
• Stores nutrients
• Internal support for organs
• As tendon and ligaments, it protects joints and attaches muscles to bone and each other
• Runs through organ capsules and in deep layers of skin giving strength

The 3 Structural Elements of Connective Tissue:

1) Ground substance – gel around cells and fibers

2) Fibers – provide strength, elasticity and support

3) Cells

The Special Connective Tissues

1) Cartilage

Cartilage Functions (jobs):

• provides strength with flexibility while resisting wear, i.e. epiglottis, external ear, larynx
• cushions and shock absorbs where bones meet, i.e. intervertebral discs, joint capsules

2) Bone

Bone Functions (jobs):

• provides framework and strength for body
• allows movement
• stores calcium
• contains blood-forming cells

3) Blood

Blood Functions (jobs):

• transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients around the body
• immune response

Everything Kids HUMAN BODY BOOK
Learn about the body's systems: digestive, circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, reproductive and your protective integument (your skin!) This book breaks down the human body and explains its parts and how it works in language a middle school student can understand -- or anyone who is interested in how our amazing bodies work. Also learn fun facts about the body, important vocabulary, interesting exercises and health tips and even do more than 30 body puzzles. Have fun on this 160-page anatomy adventure!