As you examined each specific connective tissue what were th

As you examined each specific connective tissue, what were the general characteristics they possessed? List and describe those characteristics that you were able to observe. Abdominal impact injuries in the region of the LUQ often involve the spleen. Explain the structural tissue characteristics within the spleen that make it so vulnerable to serious injury.

Solution

Connective tissue

The cells of connective tissues are loosely spaced and embedded in an inter cellular matrix. The matrix may be a jelly like fluid, dense or rigid. They are of two types. They are
A) Adipose tissue
B) Supportive tissue
A) Adipose Tissue:- This is modified for storing fat. The inter cellular material is more or less absent. It is found chiefly below the skin and in between the internal organs.

B) Supportive Tissue:- This tissue gives support to the entire body. The supportive tissues are of three types. They are :
i) Cartilage tissue
ii) Bone tissue
iii) Areolar tissue
i) Cartilage Tissue:- It has widely spaced cells. The solid matrix is composed of proteins and sugars. The cartilage smoothens the bone surface at the joints and is also present in the nose, ear, trachea and larynx.
ii) B one Tissue:- It forms the framework that supports the body. Bone cells are composed of calcium and phosphorous compounds. Two bones can be connected to each other by the ligament. This tissue is very elastic and the ligaments contain very little matrix.
iii) Areolar Tissue:- It is found between the skin and the muscles around the blood vessels, nerves and in the bone marrow. It fills the space inside the organs. It supports the internal organs and helps in repairing the tissues.

Spleen

Spleen is the largest of the lymphoid organs and lies in the left part of the abdominal cavity between the stomach and the diaphragm. In essence, the spleen is to the circulating blood what the lymph nodes are to the lymph. Blood percolates through the vascular meshwork of the spleen\'s interior, and large collections of lymphocytes and macrophages are found in the spaces of the meshwork. The macrophages of the spleen, in addition to interaction with lymphocytes, also phagocytize aging or dead erythrocytes. Thus, spleen injuiry will cause serious implications.