Function: Support and strength. Holds a lot of matrix.

Terms: Fibroblasts, macrophage, elastic fibers, collagen fiber bundles.

Function: Storage of energy and fat.

Terms: Adipocytes, nucleus, lipid droplet.

Function: Support and strength. Framework of spleen and lymphatic organs and red bone marrow.

Note: Reticular tissue forms the stroma or supporting framework for lymphatic organs and hemopoietic tissue like red bone marrow.

Terms: Reticular fibers, reticulocytes.

Function: Give strength on same direction.

Note: Fibroblasts are squeezed between tight, parallel bundles of collagen for strength when being stretched in one direction.

Terms: Collagen fiber bundles, fibroblasts.

Function: Gives strength on different direction.

Note: Fibroblasts are squeezed between irregularly arranged collagen fibers, making it able to resist tension in all directions.

Terms: collagen fiber bundles, fibroblasts.

Function: Elasticity and extensibility.

Note: The collagen and fiber bundles spring back when stretched. Fibroblasts are present but not really visible.

Terms: Collagen fiber bundles, elastic fiber bundles.

Function: Supports flexibility and movement of joints.

Note: Most abundant but weakest of cartilage tissues. Matrix is formed of chondroitin sulfate. Surrounded by perichondrium, which is highly vascular tissue. The cartilage is not vascularized though.

Terms: Chondroitin sulfate, chondroblasts, chondrocytes and lacunae. Perichondrium on ends.

Function: Support and maintain shape.

Note. Perichondrium is present with nearby oval-shaped chondroblasts. Round chondrocytes are found in the lacunae near the center.

Terms: chondroitin sulfate, elastic fibers, chondroblasts, chondrocytes, and lacunae.

Function: Strong support and fusion. Shock absorption.

Note: Collagen bundles make fibrocartilage is the strongest of the cartilage fibers, but has no perichondrium, which makes healing slow.

Terms: Chondroitin sulfate, collagen fiber bundles, chondrocytes, and lacunae.

Function: Protection, storage, facilitates blood formation, aids in movement.

Terms: Osteon, central canal, lamellae, lacunae, canaliculi, osteocytes.

Function: RBC transport oxygen and CO2. WBC mediate allergic reactions and immune system. Platelets are essential for blood clotting.

Terms: Erythrocyte (RBC), leukocyte (WBC), thrombocyte (platelets).