Connective Tissue Cells

Front 1

Fibroblasts

Back 1

Resident Cell: main cell type, responsible for the synthesis of collagen, elastic and reticular fibers, and much of the ground substance

Front 2

Macrophages

Back 2

Immigrant Cell: aka histocytes, function in phagocytosing foreign particulate matter

Front 3

Plasma Cells

Back 3

Immigrant Cell: major cell type present during chronic inflammation. responsible for the synthesis and release of humoral antibodies

Front 4

Mast Cells

Back 4

Immigrant Cell: : secretory cells with many large granules containing heparin (an anticoagulant) and histamine (a substance that stimulates dilation and increased permeability of capillaries), products that contribute to allergic symptoms & that can recruit eosinophils and neutrophils to sites of mast cell activation; contain receptors for IgE

Front 5

Pericytes

Back 5

Resident Cell: associated with minute blood vessels. Pluripotent.

Front 6

Fat Cells

Back 6

Resident Cell: adipocytes, for small clusters or aggregates in loose CT. function in storing lipids

Front 7

Leukocytes

Back 7

Immigrant Cell: white blood cells. leaves bloodstream and enters connective tissue spaces.