Connective tissue is a multicomponent, polyfunctional complex of cells and extracellular matrix that serves as a framework for all organs, combining to form a unified organism. It is a structure responsible for numerous vital functions such as tissue organ integration, morphogenesis, homeostasis maintenance, biomechanical support, and more. The regeneration potential of connective tissue affects healing of damaged tissue and organs, while trauma, stress, and other factors that cause damage to connective tissue can lead to numerous disorders.

Connective Tissue: Histophysiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology brings together crucial knowledge of mammalian connective tissue (including human) and its components, both cellular and noncellular, in one authoritative reference. The breadth and depth of information has fundamental scientific significance as well as applied relevance in clinical medicine. The first half of the book covers the structure, classification, biochemical aspects, histogenesis, and cellular elements of connective tissue. It presents data from the macro- to nanolevel organization of the extracellular matrix its structural and functional aspects and addresses metabolic functions and the biochemistry and molecular biology of connective tissue ageing.

The second half of the book reviews current data on the biochemistry and molecular biology of skeletal connective tissue, including bone and cartilage metabolism and regulation. It presents an in-depth analysis of data on the molecular mechanisms of connective tissue ontogenesis, from embryonic development through ageing. It also reports novel findings on bone marrow stroma and describes electron microscopy results of the nanostructure of bone mineral, mineralized cartilage, and teeth compared with coral and seashells. Comprising both classic and modern data on the histopathology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of connective tissue, this book provides a unique resource for clinicians and researchers alike.

Table of Contents

Peculiarities of Connective Tissue Histophysiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology

Definitions, Organization Principles, and Classification of Connective Tissue

Basic Definitions, Principles and Emphasis of Modern Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

General Biochemical Aspects of Connective Tissue

Formation and Histogenesis of Connective Tissue

Embryology and Histogenesis of Connective Tissue

Molecular and Biochemical Regularities of Initial Stages of Connective Tissue Structures Formation

Cellular Elements of Connective Tissue

Proper Cells of Connective Tissue

Fibroblastic Differon

Adventitious Cells

Adipocytes(Lipocytes, Adipocytes)

Cells Associated with Connective Tissue

Extracellular Matrix of Connective Tissue: Histophysiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Fibrous Structures

Integrating Buffer Metabolic Medium (Ground Substance) of Connective Tissue Extracellular Matrix

Basement Membranes

Interstitial (Interfibrous and Intercellular) Space of Connective Tissue

Structural Peculiarities of Connective Tissue Various Types and its Organ Specificity

General Regularities of Molecular and Supramolecular Organization of Connective Tissue Extracellular Matrix. Molecular Mechanisms of Cells and Matrix Interaction

Catabolism of Extracellular Matrix Macromolecular Components

Regulation of Connective Tissue Metabolic Functions

Systemic Factors of Regulation

Local Factors of Regulation

Biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms and Manifestations of Connective Tissue Ageing

Bone An Organ of the Support and Locomotor Apparatus Containing All Types of Connective Tissue

Overview of Bone Structure and Function

General Structural and Functional Characteristics of Bone Components

Cartilage Cartilaginous Tissue: Structural, Biochemical and Molecular Biological Characteristics

Overview of Structure and Composition of Cartilage Tissue

Hyaline Cartilages Cartilaginous Tissues

Elastic Cartilages Cartilaginous Tissues

Fibrous Cartilages Cartilaginous Tissues

Bone Tissue: The Structural-Functional, Biochemical and Molecular Biological Characteristics of Its Components

General Overview of Bone Tissue Structure and Composition

Differons of Bone Cells

Extracellular Matrix of Bone Tissue

Interstitial Space of Bone Tissue

Regulation Mechanisms of Bone Tissue Metabolism and Functions

Remodeling of Bone Tissue

Tooth Connective Tissue

Biochemical Characteristics of Synovial Membrane and Synovia

Synovial membrane

Synovia (Synovial Fluid)

Molecular Biological and Biochemical Regularities of Connective Tissue Structures Ontogenesis

Molecular Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms of Mesenchyme Condensation. Regulation Systems of Connective Tissue Structure Morphogenesis

Differentiation of Connective Tissue Cells

Molecular Biological and Biochemical Regularities of Skeleton Formation and Growth

Molecular Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms of Joint Formation

References

List Abbreviations