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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Connective Tissue Quiz: Histology Identification and Function

Quick, free histology connective tissue quiz with instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Emily GarciaUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of stylized collagen fibers and cells for connective tissue quiz on golden yellow background

This connective tissue histology quiz helps you spot cells and fibers, tell dense regular from dense irregular, and build recall before lab. For more practice, try our connective tissue identification quiz, review skeletal tissue with the bone histology quiz, or prep for lab with a histology lab practical quiz.

Which cell is primarily responsible for producing collagen fibers in connective tissue?
Mast cell
Fibroblast
Adipocyte
Macrophage
Fibroblasts are the main resident cells of connective tissue that synthesize extracellular matrix components, including collagen fibers. They play a key role in tissue maintenance and repair by producing collagen and other matrix proteins. Dysfunctional fibroblast activity can lead to fibrosis or inadequate wound healing.
What is the main component of ground substance in connective tissue?
Collagen
Elastin
Keratin
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that contributes to the viscosity and hydration of the extracellular matrix. It binds water to provide turgor and resilience in connective tissues. Its unsulfated structure allows it to form large hydrated matrices.
Which type of connective tissue stores energy in the form of fat?
Dense regular
Cartilage
Loose areolar
Adipose tissue
Adipose tissue is specialized for lipid storage and energy metabolism. It contains large lipid-filled adipocytes that can be mobilized to release fatty acids. Besides energy storage, it also cushions and insulates the body.
Which fiber type provides elasticity to connective tissues?
Elastic fibers
Fibrillin
Collagen fibers
Reticular fibers
Elastic fibers, composed of elastin and fibrillin, allow tissues to stretch and recoil. They are abundant in structures like the aorta and elastic cartilage. Loss of elastic fiber function can lead to conditions such as emphysema and cutis laxa.
Which connective tissue is found under epithelial tissue and surrounds organs?
Areolar connective tissue
Dense irregular connective tissue
Adipose tissue
Elastic cartilage
Areolar connective tissue, a form of loose connective tissue, fills spaces under epithelial layers and provides support and nutrition. Its loose organization allows for diffusion of nutrients and waste. It also houses immune cells for defense against pathogens.
What type of cartilage provides flexibility and support at the end of ribs?
Fibrocartilage
Bone
Elastic cartilage
Hyaline cartilage
Hyaline cartilage covers the costal ends of ribs, providing a resilient yet smooth surface for articulation with the sternum. It contains type II collagen in a glassy matrix. It reduces friction and absorbs shock in joints.
Which of the following cells are resident immune cells in connective tissue that release histamine?
Mast cells
Chondrocytes
Osteoclasts
Neutrophils
Mast cells are connective tissue cells filled with granules containing histamine and heparin. They play key roles in allergic responses and inflammation. On activation, they degranulate and release mediators that increase vascular permeability.
Where is dense regular connective tissue primarily found?
Tendons and ligaments
Mesenteries
External ear
Dermis of skin
Dense regular connective tissue has parallel collagen fibers optimized for unidirectional tensile strength. It forms tendons and ligaments, connecting muscle to bone and bone to bone, respectively. Its organization allows for efficient force transmission.
Which glycoprotein mediates adhesion between cells and the extracellular matrix?
Laminin
Fibronectin
Collagen
Integrin
Fibronectin is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein that binds to integrins and ECM components, facilitating cell adhesion and migration. It plays critical roles in wound healing and embryonic development. Laminin is similar but primarily found in basement membranes.
What is the primary fibrillar collagen found in skin and bone?
Type IV collagen
Type III collagen
Type I collagen
Type II collagen
Type I collagen is the most abundant collagen in the human body, providing tensile strength to skin, bone, tendons, and ligaments. It forms thick fibers visible under light microscopy. Mutations in its genes can lead to osteogenesis imperfecta.
Reticular fibers are composed primarily of which type of collagen?
Type I collagen
Type II collagen
Type IV collagen
Type III collagen
Reticular fibers consist of thin strands of type III collagen, forming a delicate supporting network in lymphoid organs, bone marrow, and liver. These fibers stain with silver salts and appear black in reticulin stains.
Which cell type differentiates from monocytes and participates in phagocytosis within connective tissue?
Chondrocyte
Fibroblast
Adipocyte
Macrophage
Macrophages are derived from circulating monocytes and reside in tissues where they engulf pathogens and debris. They also present antigens to lymphocytes and secrete cytokines. Their numbers increase during inflammation.
Which proteoglycan aggregate contributes to the resilience of cartilage?
Aggrecan
Versican
Decorin
Syndecan
Aggrecan is a large proteoglycan that binds hyaluronic acid to form aggregates, providing cartilage with its compressive strength. Its negatively charged glycosaminoglycan chains attract water, enabling shock absorption.
Dense irregular connective tissue is characterized by collagen fibers arranged in:
Random or interwoven bundles
Reticular network
Parallel arrays
Elastic lamellae
Dense irregular connective tissue has collagen fibers oriented in multiple directions, providing strength against multidirectional forces. It forms the dermis of the skin and organ capsules. This random arrangement distinguishes it from the parallel fibers of dense regular tissue.
Which cartilage type contains abundant elastic fibers and is found in the external ear?
Fibrocartilage
Bone
Elastic cartilage
Hyaline cartilage
Elastic cartilage has a dense network of elastic fibers in its matrix, allowing flexibility and shape maintenance. It forms structures such as the pinna of the ear and the epiglottis. Elastic fibers distinguish it from the glassy matrix of hyaline cartilage.
Which connective tissue cell is responsible for bone resorption?
Chondroblast
Osteoclast
Osteoblast
Osteocyte
Osteoclasts are large multinucleated cells derived from monocyte - macrophage lineage that degrade bone matrix during remodeling. They secrete acid and proteolytic enzymes to dissolve mineral and organic components. An imbalance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts can lead to osteoporosis.
Which collagen type is most abundant in the basement membrane?
Type II collagen
Type I collagen
Type III collagen
Type IV collagen
Type IV collagen forms a network-like structure in basement membranes, providing structural support and filtration functions. It lacks the fibrillar organization of other collagens. Mutations in its genes can cause Alport syndrome.
Which enzyme family cleaves collagen during tissue remodeling?
Lysyl oxidase
Hyaluronidase
Matrix metalloproteinases
Elastase
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent enzymes that degrade collagen and other ECM components during development, repair, and pathology. Their activity is tightly regulated by tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Dysregulated MMP activity contributes to arthritis and metastasis.
The periodontal ligament is composed mainly of which connective tissue classification?
Dense regular connective tissue
Dense irregular connective tissue
Adipose tissue
Loose areolar connective tissue
The periodontal ligament contains densely packed collagen fibers arranged in various orientations to resist multidirectional forces during mastication. Its irregular fiber pattern distinguishes it from tendons and ligaments. It also contains mechanoreceptors.
In Ehlers - Danlos syndrome, a defect in collagen synthesis leads to:
Hyperextensible skin
Brittle bones
Neuropathy
Muscle weakness
Ehlers - Danlos syndrome encompasses disorders of collagen biosynthesis, resulting in skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, and tissue fragility. Mutations often affect type III or type V collagen. Severity varies by subtype.
Which of the following glycosaminoglycans is sulfated?
Hyaluronic acid
Keratan sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate
Heparan sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage and other connective tissues, contributing to their compressive properties. Hyaluronic acid is unique among GAGs for lacking sulfate groups. Keratan and heparan sulfates are also sulfated but serve different functions.
Which proteoglycan is small, binds to type I collagen, and regulates fibrillogenesis?
Decorin
Versican
Aggrecan
Syndecan
Decorin is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan that binds collagen type I fibrils, controlling their diameter and organization. It also modulates growth factor activity. Loss of decorin can result in skin fragility and Ehlers - Danlos - like phenotypes.
Which factor is essential for fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis during wound healing?
Nerve growth factor
Epidermal growth factor
Platelet-derived growth factor
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-?)
TGF-? is a key cytokine that stimulates fibroblast proliferation and upregulates collagen and ECM protein synthesis during wound repair. It also modulates inflammation and angiogenesis. Dysregulation can cause excessive scarring.
Which receptor on fibroblasts binds fibronectin to mediate cell-matrix adhesion?
Cadherin
Selectin
Immunoglobulin superfamily
Integrin
Integrins are transmembrane receptors that connect the ECM glycoprotein fibronectin to the intracellular cytoskeleton, facilitating adhesion and signal transduction. Fibroblasts use integrins to migrate and remodel matrix. Other adhesion molecules serve different functions.
Which fibrillar collagen type is predominant in the vitreous body of the eye?
Type IX collagen
Type V collagen
Type II collagen
Type I collagen
The vitreous body is a gel-like structure primarily composed of type II collagen fibrils intertwined with hyaluronic acid. This specialized collagen maintains transparency and resilience. Type II differs from the thicker fibrils of type I.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Distinguish Connective Tissue Types -

    Differentiate between dense and loose connective tissues, correctly identifying exceptions in "all of the following are dense connective tissues except" challenges.

  2. Identify Connective Tissue Cell Types -

    Recognize fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, and adipocytes, and describe their specific roles within tissue structure and repair.

  3. Analyze Extracellular Matrix Components -

    Evaluate the structure and function of collagen fibers, elastin, ground substance, and reticular fibers in connective tissues.

  4. Apply Knowledge in the Connective Tissue Quiz -

    Use conceptual understanding to excel in the connective tissue quiz, including connective tissue functions quiz and histology connective tissue questions.

  5. Evaluate Personal Histology Proficiency -

    Interpret quiz results to pinpoint strengths and knowledge gaps, guiding targeted review and study in histology.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Classification of Connective Tissues -

    Connective tissues are broadly classified into loose, dense, cartilage, bone, and blood, each with unique matrix and cell composition. Recognizing these categories is key for the connective tissue quiz, as many histology connective tissue questions hinge on distinguishing their structural traits. A quick tip: remember "Let's Drink Coffee Before Biology" to recall Loose, Dense, Cartilage, Bone, Blood.

  2. Identifying Dense CT and Exceptions -

    Dense connective tissue includes regular, irregular, and elastic types; an exam-style prompt often asks "all of the following are dense connective tissues except" with options like adipose or reticular. Remember that adipose (fat) and reticular tissues are actually loose connective tissues, so they're not listed under dense. You can think "Regular, Irregular, Elastic only" when you face that histology connective tissue question.

  3. Extracellular Matrix Components -

    The ECM is a dynamic network of collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers embedded in ground substance rich in proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. Understanding these components is crucial for both the connective tissue quiz and practical histology, as fiber type influences tissue flexibility and tensile strength. For a simple recall, use "CER: Collagen, Elastic, Reticular" to remember the three main fiber types.

  4. Major Cell Types and Their Roles -

    Fibroblasts are the primary cells that synthesize collagen and ground substance, while adipocytes store energy and macrophages handle cellular debris in the matrix. Knowing these cell functions assists in answering cell-specific questions on the connective tissue functions quiz, such as identifying which cell type secretes histamine. Use the mnemonic "FAM: Fibroblasts, Adipocytes, Macrophages" to recall the key players quickly.

  5. Multifunctional Roles of Connective Tissue -

    Connective tissues support organs, protect structures, insulate the body, transport nutrients, and store energy - concepts often combined in a connective tissue functions quiz. Use the mnemonic "SHOT PIE" (Support, Heat regulation, Osmosis, Transport, Protection, Insulation, Energy storage) to lock in each role. This trick ensures you'll breeze through those function-based histology connective tissue questions with confidence.

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