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Ch. 4 Histology
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 4 HistologyProblem L2.2
Chapter 4, Problem L2.2

Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen. Predict the effect that a vitamin C deficiency (a disease called scurvy) would have on bone tissue, dense regular collagenous connective tissue, dense irregular connective tissue, and cartilage. What symptoms would you expect to see from this disease?

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Understand the role of vitamin C in collagen synthesis: Vitamin C is a cofactor for the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase, which are essential for stabilizing and cross-linking collagen fibers. Collagen is a major structural protein in connective tissues, including bone, dense regular collagenous connective tissue, dense irregular connective tissue, and cartilage.
Analyze the effect of vitamin C deficiency on bone tissue: Collagen is a critical component of the bone matrix, providing tensile strength. A deficiency in collagen synthesis due to lack of vitamin C would weaken the bone matrix, leading to brittle bones and an increased risk of fractures.
Examine the impact on dense regular collagenous connective tissue: This type of tissue, found in tendons and ligaments, relies heavily on collagen for strength and flexibility. A deficiency would result in weakened tendons and ligaments, leading to joint instability and reduced ability to withstand mechanical stress.
Evaluate the effect on dense irregular connective tissue: This tissue, found in the dermis of the skin and organ capsules, provides structural support and resistance to multidirectional forces. A lack of collagen would compromise the integrity of these tissues, leading to symptoms such as fragile skin and poor wound healing.
Consider the impact on cartilage and symptoms of scurvy: Cartilage, particularly in joints, contains collagen for structural support. A deficiency would impair cartilage function, potentially leading to joint pain and stiffness. Overall symptoms of scurvy include bleeding gums, loose teeth, poor wound healing, bruising, and fatigue due to the widespread effects of impaired collagen synthesis.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Collagen Synthesis

Collagen is a vital protein that provides structure and strength to various tissues in the body, including bone, cartilage, and connective tissues. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in collagen, which is essential for the stability and integrity of the collagen triple helix. A deficiency in vitamin C disrupts this process, leading to weakened connective tissues and impaired healing.
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Effects of Scurvy

Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and bleeding gums. The lack of collagen synthesis due to insufficient vitamin C results in weakened connective tissues, which can cause issues in bone density and integrity, as well as problems in cartilage and other collagen-rich structures. This can manifest as pain, swelling, and increased susceptibility to fractures.
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Types of Connective Tissue

Connective tissues are categorized into various types, including dense regular, dense irregular, and cartilage, each serving distinct functions. Dense regular connective tissue, found in tendons and ligaments, provides tensile strength, while dense irregular connective tissue, found in the dermis, offers multidirectional strength. Cartilage provides cushioning and support in joints. A deficiency in collagen affects all these tissues, leading to structural weaknesses and functional impairments.
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Related Practice
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Predict what would happen if the mucous membranes of the body stopped secreting mucus or if they secreted excess mucus.

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Certain types of cancerous lung tumors can secrete hormones normally made by the pancreas, adrenal gland, and hypothalamus. What prevents such secretion from happening in healthy cells?

Textbook Question

If you were to cut through epithelial tissue without penetrating the basement membrane, would you expect bleeding to occur? Why or why not?

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Textbook Question

State whether each of the following describes epithelial, connective, muscle, or nervous tissue.


a. ____ECM is often the primary element. 

b. ____Consists of excitable cells that are specialized for contraction. 

c. ____Sheets of tightly packed cells with little ECM. 

d. ____Makes up the majority of the brain and spinal cord. 

e. ____Cells may be smooth or striated. 

f. ____Binds, connects, supports, and transports substances throughout the body.

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Why do you think the rate of cell division is different for different tissues? Where in the body would you expect to find cells that have a rapid rate of division? Where might you find cells that have a slow rate of division? Explain.

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In the disease pulmonary fibrosis, elastic fibers of the lung are destroyed and replaced with collagen fibers. Predict the effect this would have on breathing.

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