most abundant cell type in connective tissue, secretes protein fibers and matrix into the extracellular space

tough form of cartilage, made of thick bundles of collagen fibers embedded in chondroitin sulfate ground substance

less active form of fibroblast

specialized cells that circulate in a watery fluid containing salts, nutrients, and dissolved proteins

allows cytoplasmic communications to occur between cells

unicellular gland found in columnar epithelium that secretes mucous

fluid or semi-fluid portion of the matrix

chemical compound released by mast cells in response to injury that causes vasodilation and endothelium permeability

microscopic study of tissue architecture, organization, and function

release of a substance caused by the rupture of a gland cell, which becomes part of the secretion

most common type of cartilage, smooth and made of short collagen fibers embedded in a chondroitin sulfate ground substance

response of tissue to injury

(singular = lacuna) small spaces in bone or cartilage tissue that cells occupy

areolar connective tissue underlying a mucous membrane

(also, areolar tissue) type of connective tissue proper that shows little specialization with cells dispersed in the matrix