Fluid Connective Tissues

What is Fluid Connective Tissue?

Fluid connective tissue is a variety of connective tissue that becomes specifically differentiated to have cells suspended within a fluid extracellular matrix. Fluid connective tissues perform the crucial functions of transporting substances around the body while providing support for immune functions and aiding in fluid balance.

Types of Fluid Connective Tissues

Blood and lymph are the two fluid connective tissues, each with different components performing essential functions for the physiology of the body.

Blood

Blood is the fluid connective tissue circulating in the body's organs, carrying oxygen, nutrients, and other substances.

Components of Blood

There are two components of blood: blood plasma and formed elements, which are cells and cell fragments. Blood is about 45% formed elements and 55% blood plasma.

Plasma

• When the formed elements are removed from blood, a straw-colored liquid called plasma is left .

• It is about 90-92% water and 6-8% plasma proteins.

• It helps to transport cells, hormones, and waste products.

Formed elements: The formed elements of the blood include three principal components: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.

• RBCs or erythrocytes transport oxygen from the lungs to body cells and deliver carbon dioxide from body cells to the lungs.

• WBCs or leukocytes protect the body from invading pathogens and other foreign substances. There are several types of WBCs: neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes.

• Platelets are fragments of cells that do not have a nucleus. They release chemicals that promote blood clotting when blood vessels are damaged.

Functions of Blood

Blood has three general functions:

• Transportation: Blood transports oxygen, nutrients and hormones. Blood also transports heat and waste products to various organs for elimination from the body.

• Regulation: Circulating blood helps maintain homeostasis of body fluids. Blood helps regulate pH through the use of buffers. It also helps adjust body temperature through water in blood plasma.

• Protection: Blood can clot, which protects against its excessive loss after an injury. In addition, its white blood cells protect against disease by carrying on phagocytosis. Several types of blood proteins help protect against diseases.

Lymph

Lymph is the extracellular fluid that flows in lymphatic vessels. It consists of several types of cells in a clear liquid extracellular matrix that is similar to blood plasma but with much less protein.

Components of Lymph

The two major components of the lymph are:

• Lymphatic Fluid: A clear or slightly yellowish fluid resembling plasma containing a large number of visible lymphocytes and other substances.

• Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes are agranular white blood cells. Two types of lymphocytes participate in adaptive immune responses: B cells and T cells

Functions of Lymph

The essential functions of lymph are:

• Carries out immune responses: It initiates highly specific responses directed against particular microbes or abnormal cells and helps in the elimination of pathogens.

• Drains excess interstitial fluid: It helps to drain excess interstitial fluid from tissue spaces and return it to the blood. Without this function, the maintenance of circulating blood volume would not be possible.

Functions and Significance

Fluid connective tissues play a very significant role in maintaining proper flow of body function through their circulatory, immune and homeostatic functions.

Circulatory Functions

• Transport of nutrients, gases, and waste products.

• Facilitates the flow of needed materials and waste products in and around the body.

Immune Functions

• Role in defense mechanisms and immune response

• Assists in identifying and breaking down pathogens and dead cells, thereby safeguarding the body against infection.

Homeostasis

• Maintenance of fluid balance and temperature regulation.

• Maintains fluid levels in the tissues and contributes to thermoregulation by the distribution of heat.

Disorders Related to Fluid Connective Tissues

Fluid connective tissues are prone to some disorders that can disrupt their normal functions.

Blood Disorders

The common blood disorders are:

• Anemia: It is a condition in which the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood is reduced. All of the many types of anemia are characterized by reduced numbers of RBCs or a decreased amount of hemoglobin in the blood. The person feels fatigued and is intolerant of cold, both of which are related to lack of oxygen needed for ATP and heat production.

• Leukaemia: A form of cancer that involves the abnormal proliferation of blood cells and bone marrow. It is usually characterised by the excessive production of abnormal white blood cells.

• Hemophilia: It is a genetic disorder characterised by the inability of blood to clot properly, which can lead to uncontrolled bleeding and poor healing.

Lymphatic Disorders

The common disorders of the lymphatic system are:

• Lymphedema: Swelling is caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in tissues, usually due to blockage or damage in the lymphatic system.

• Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Cancer that arises within the lymphatic system; consists of Reed-Sternberg cells and includes symptoms of fever and swollen lymph nodes.

Plasma vs Platelets NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important topics for NEET exam are:

• Types of Fluid Connective Tissue (Blood, Lymph)

• Components of Blood

• Disorders of Blood and Lymph

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Which of the following is the function of fluid connective tissue?

1. Transport of nutrients within the body

2. Transport of waste material within the body

3. Fight against germs

4. All of the above

Correct answer: 4) All of the above

Explanation:

1. Nutrient distribution inside the body: Blood carries nutrients to different areas of the body, including glucose, vitamins, and minerals.

2. Transport of waste materials: Waste products like urea and carbon dioxide are transported by blood to organs like the kidneys and lungs for excretion.

3. White blood cells which are found in blood help in the body's defence against illnesses and foreign invaders.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) All of the above.

Q2. Which of the following is a type of fluid connective tissue?

1. Blood

2. Lymph

3. Both a and b

4. None of the above

Correct answer: 3) Both a and b

Explanation:

Fluid connective tissue includes blood and lymph, both of which play essential roles in transportation and immunity. Blood consists of plasma, red blood cells (RBCs) for oxygen transport, white blood cells (WBCs) for immune defence, and platelets for clotting. It circulates nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste throughout the body. Lymph, derived from interstitial fluid, contains WBCs, particularly lymphocytes, and is crucial for immune responses, maintaining fluid balance, and transporting fats from the digestive system. Both blood and lymph serve as vital fluid connective tissues that help maintain homeostasis in the body.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Both a and b

Q3. Identify the characteristic that differentiates blood as a connective tissue.

1. It functions as a shock absorber amidst various organs.

2. Its matrix contains fibers.

3. Its cellular components are separated by an extracellular matrix.

4. Its cellular components are separated by an intracellular matrix.

Correct answer: 3) Its cellular components are separated by an extracellular matrix.

Explanation:

Blood is considered a connective tissue because its cellular components, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, are suspended and separated by an extracellular matrix called plasma. This plasma acts as the medium that surrounds and supports the blood cells, allowing for their circulation and transportation of various substances throughout the body.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Its cellular components are separated by an extracellular matrix.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Fluid Connective Tissue

• Epithelial Tissue

• Excretory System of Cockroach

Recommended Video On 'Fluid Connective Tissue'