Histology of Connective Tissue

Learning Objectives

• Students should be able to list and describe the functions of the extracellular components of connective tissue and the cell(s) that produce those components.
• Given a histological image, students should be able to distinguish loose, dense irregular and dense regular connective tissues and describe the roles of each.
• Given a histological image, students should be able to distinguish white and brown adipose tissue and the differences in function.
• Students should be able to identify the different classes of cartilage and explain the mechanical properties and functions of each.
• Given a histological image of a long bone, students should be able to distinguish compact bone and trabecular bone.
• Given a histological image of bone, students should be able to identify osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts.
• Given an image of an osteon, students should be able to label blood vessels, osteocytes and fidopodia.
• Given a histological image of bone, students should be able to distinguish bone modeling from bone remodeling.
• Given a histological image of growing, long bone, students should be able to identify and explain the function of the growth plate, and the changes in chondrocytes.