Human connective tissue

The connective tissue of the human body is differentiated from the embryonic tissue - the mesenchyme. In the process of this transformation, organs and tissues are formed, having a different structure and purpose. The connective tissue system includes smooth musculature, dense and loose connective and cartilaginous tissue, biological body fluids, vascular system.

Loose connective tissue forms capsules of organs and muscles. The main tissue structures are connective tissue cells, amorphous substance and fibrous structures. The structure of cells and the functions they perform are very diverse. The main percentage is fibroblasts, which take part in the formation of protein, the precursor of collagen, mucopolysaccharides. There are other forms of fibroblasts involved in the formation of organs and tissues. These are osteoblasts, chondroblasts, etc. Connective tissue contains macrophages involved in the reactions of inflammation and tissue repair, immune system reactions in the fight against viral and bacterial infections. Mast cells of connective tissue, in large quantities formed during inflammation, secrete mediators (histamine, etc.).

The main substance is the base uniting its cells and fibers. It consists of proteoglycans, polysaccharides and proteins. The chains of proteoglycans contain hyaluronic acid, heparin, chondroitin sulfate. Hyaluronic acid determines the permeability of tissue membranes. Fibrous structures consist of elastic and collagen fibers.

Performed functions
The connective tissue carries a supporting function, as it forms the basis of the skeleton, skin, and stroma of the organs. The fabric has high strength and at the same time elasticity, thanks to its fibrous structures.
The trophic function of the tissue is explained by its entry into the composition of blood, lymph, and blood vessels of the body. Proteoglycans are involved in water metabolism and metabolic processes in tissues.

The protective function of connective tissue is provided by skin, shells and capsules of internal organs. The reparative function consists in the ability of the connective tissue to repair injuries in trauma, inflammatory reactions.

Diseases of connective tissue
The basis of connective tissue diseases is the development of the pathological process in the tissue itself or its derivatives. Since it is part of many organs and tissues, its diseases can be grouped together. Diseases are combined according to the etiological and pathogenetic principle, according to the similarity of clinical manifestations.

The first group is rheumatism. The second group includes diffuse diseases (lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic connective tissue disease). The third group is systemic vasculitis. The fourth group is rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis. Then follow: Bechterew's disease, infectious arthritis and osteoarthrosis.

Causes of connective tissue diseases
Each individual pathology has its own etiological factors. But the common causes in the emergence of collagen infections are: streptococcal infection, mycobacterium tuberculosis, causative agent of gonorrhea and syphilis, influenza viruses, rubella. Hereditary predisposition in occurrence of system diseases is not excluded. The leading factor in the occurrence of pathologies are immunity glitches. Damage to tissues is caused by the deposition of immune complexes that result from the response of the immune system to the effect of the etiologic factor.

Clinical manifestations
For each specific disease, its clinical manifestations are characteristic, but there are also common characteristics. This progressive and prolonged course of the disease, febrile period, joint damage, weight loss, allergic reactions, changes in protein blood fractions, skin lesions, a positive result from the use of hormonal drugs.