Problem 1: Knee injuries commonly occur from damage to the meniscus (cartilage) andfor the ligaments that stabilize the knee. Ligaments tend to heal faster than damaged cartilage. Why do you think this occurs? Once a ligament overstretches it does not return to its original length. If it is torn, it usually requires surgical repair. Which tissue forms ligaments and why aren't they very elastic?
Problem 2: Cancer occurs when the body loses control over mitosis. It commonly occurs in epithelial, connective, and muscular tissue. When cancer occurs in the brain, do you think it is due to overproduction of abnormal neuroglial cells or neurons?
Problem 3: One rare autoimmune (immune system attacks normal body tissues) disease is scleroderma. This disease causes normal connective tissue to be replaced by excessive collagen fibers, which thickens the tissue. It commonly occurs in the skin but can also affect other organs such as the lungs. What type of complications would occur if it affected the connective tissue in the lungs?