Q1. What makes connective tissues different from other tissues? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Connective tissues have a matrix outside the cells.
The matrix may be fluid, gel-like, or hard.
It contains fibres like collagen and elastin for strength and flexibility.
They support, bind, and protect other tissues.
Examples include areolar tissue, adipose tissue, bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, and blood.
So, they act like the body’s packing, support, and transport system.
Q2. Describe the structure and functions of areolar tissue. Why is it called packing tissue?
Answer:
Areolar tissue has loosely arranged fibres and many cells.
Its matrix is soft and gel-like.
It is present beneath the skin and between organs.
It binds skin to muscles and fills spaces between organs.
It provides cushioning and helps in repair of tissues.
It is called packing tissue because it holds and supports organs in place.
Q3. Explain the differences between tendon and ligament. Give suitable examples.
Answer:
A tendon connects muscle to bone.
A ligament connects bone to bone.
Tendons have more collagen fibres, so they are strong but less elastic.
Ligaments have more elastic fibres, so they are flexible.
Example: Achilles tendon attaches calf muscle to heel bone.
Example: Knee ligaments hold bones of the knee joint together.
Q4. Why is blood called a connective tissue? Explain its components and functions.
Answer:
Blood has a fluid matrix called plasma.
Plasma carries cells like RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
It connects all body parts by transporting materials.
It carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and wastes.
It helps in defense and clotting.
So, blood is a connective tissue because it has a matrix and links all systems.
Q5. Compare bone and cartilage in structure and function. Use examples from the body.
Answer:
Bone has a hard matrix with calcium salts.
Cartilage has a firm but flexible matrix.
Bone is strong and gives shape, support, and protection.
Cartilage reduces friction and absorbs shock in joints.
Bone has better blood supply; it heals faster.
Examples: Femur is bone; nose and ear pinna have cartilage.
High Complexity (Analysis & Scenario-Based)
Q6. A student twists his ankle while running and feels pain and swelling. Which connective tissue is likely injured? Explain the reasons and recovery steps.
Answer:
A sprain usually injures a ligament.
Ligaments connect bone to bone and stabilize the joint.
Sudden twisting causes overstretching or tearing of fibres.
Pain and swelling occur due to inflammation and fluid buildup.
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) help recovery.
Severe tears may need medical care and physiotherapy.
Q7. If a person loses a lot of adipose tissue due to illness, what changes may occur in the body? Explain.
Answer:
Adipose tissue stores fat for energy.
Loss of it reduces energy reserve, so the person feels weak.
It provides insulation; the person may feel colder.
It cushions organs, so the body is more prone to injury.
Skin may look shrunken due to loss of padding.
Body weight drops and healing may become slower.
Q8. A child has soft bones due to low vitamin D and calcium. Use bone structure to explain why bones become weak.
Answer:
Bone matrix needs calcium salts to become hard.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.
If vitamin D or calcium is low, bones remain less mineralized.
The matrix becomes softer and bends easily.
Bones cannot give proper support or protection.
This leads to weakness, pain, and deformities.
Q9. Explain how different connective tissues work together when you run a race.
Answer:
Bone forms the skeleton for movement.
Tendons attach muscles to bones to pull the bones.
Ligamentsstabilize the joints and allow controlled movement.
Cartilage at joints reduces friction and shock.
Areolar tissue supports and binds surrounding structures.
Blood transports oxygen and nutrients to active muscles.
Q10. Cartilage injuries often heal slowly. Use its structure and blood supply to explain why.
Answer:
Cartilage has a firm matrix with few cells.
It has very little or no direct blood supply.
Nutrients reach cartilage by diffusion, which is slow.
Fewer cells mean slower repair and cell division.
So, damage takes longer to heal than in bone.
Joints may need rest and careful therapy to recover.
