Introduction
The term connective tissue covers various types of tissue. The connective tissue is not only a component of the skin but also an essential part of the body’s interior or organs. The connective tissue thus makes a decisive contribution to the functioning of the human body and can lead to loss of function or even disease in case of defects.
Biogenesis
The connective tissue comprises numerous different tissues of the human body. Connective tissue runs throughout the entire body. In total, it comprises about 20 kg of a normal-weight person.
The connective tissue consists of cells and much cell-free substance, the so-called matrix. Connective tissue cells are fibrocytes (cells that form connective tissue), cartilage cells (chondrocytes), bone cells (osteocytes), fat cells, pigment cells (melanocytes), as well as all the human defence cells, i.e. the white blood cells, many of which are not only found in the blood system but also in the connective tissue. The cell-free substance consists of water, proteins and fibres; there are collagen fibres and elastic fibres.
A sufficient vitamin C level is important for the formation of collagen fibres. There are four different types of collagen, which occur in varying proportions depending on the organ and are essential for the stability of the connective tissue. In addition to collagen fibres, there are also elastic fibres which, like rubber, are important for the elasticity of some human ligaments.
They are found in greater amounts in the yellow spinal ligaments and thus enable the back to bend and stretch. The connective tissue is divided into different types of tissue. All tissue types have in common that they develop from a common embryo attachment.
Bone and cartilage tissue are considered as supporting tissue. The fatty tissue with the fat cells (adipocytes) counts as a separate tissue type. It is not only found in subcutaneous fatty tissue, but also surrounds all internal organs and fills the bone marrow.
Loose connective tissue is found under the skin and as a filling substance in many internal organs. Taut connective tissue forms the cornea of the eye, the meninges and all organ capsules. Tendons, ligaments and intervertebral discs of the spine consist of fibrous, parallel connective tissue.
Lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow have reticular connective tissue. Gelatinous connective tissue is found in the umbilical cord and in the teeth below the hard substance. A particularly cell-rich connective tissue builds up the ovaries of the woman.
Strictly speaking, even muscles and blood vessels with blood cells are part of the connective tissue. In the connective tissue there are many different cells on the one hand and a lot of cell-free substance on the other hand. This is called matrix and consists of water, proteins, elastic fibres and collagen fibres.
Vitamin C is essential for the formation of such collagen fibres. It is essential coenzyme for the preparation of the incorporation of the amino acids lysine and proline into the strand of collagen fibres. It also binds individual fibres to form connective tissue.
A lack of vitamin C results in very weak connective tissue in the skin, muscles, bones and blood vessels. The insufficient synthesis of connective tissue due to vitamin C deficiency can lead to gum bleeding, vascular fragility and slow wound healing. Furthermore, without the presence of vitamin C, the tissue becomes more permeable to pathogens.
Collagen is the basic structure of connective tissue and is essential for its mechanical stability. In contrast to elastic fibres, collagen fibres are not very elastic but can withstand high loads. Depending on the type of tissue or location, one can distinguish between four types of collagen. The tensile strength of the eyes and ligaments in the body, the pressure resistance of joint cartilage or the flexibility of bones are due to the presence of collagen in the connective tissue.
