Search
loose(areolar) connective tissue
A loose irregularly arranged most widespread connective tissue. areolar = space
Consists of: Mostly collagenous but some elastic & reticular fibers, a protein polysaccharide ground substance & many different type of cells but fibroblasts, macrophages are the most common (others: mast cells, fat cells, plasma cells, leukocytes & pigment cells).
Function:
1) To attach the skin to the underlying tissue (subcutaneous tissue).
2) To fill the spaces between the various organs, thereby to hold them in place.
3) To surround & support the blood vessels.
4) The large amount of intercellular fluid is used to carry nutrients to & waste products away from the cells.
Related
edema (swelling, tumefaction, tumescence)
General
connective tissue
References
- Human Anatomy and Physiology, Alexander P Spence &
Elliot B. Mason, The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing
Company, Inc, 1979.
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams &
Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999.