Keep in mind that you need to be able to identify these tissues in a microscopic section. You should be able to provide a description of their function and a location in the body where the tissue would be found.
Connective Tissues Proper
Areolar Tissue: Loose Connective Tissue
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Areolar tissue is a loose connective tissue with a jelly-like matrix containing elastic, reticular and collagenous fibers. Reticular fibers are fine strands of collagenous fibers wrapped in elastic fiber. Reticular fibers are very difficult to see in areolar tissue. They are very, very fine and if visible will stain a dark color. Elastic fibers are sometimes called yellow fibers because tissue rich in elastic fibers appear yellowish in an unstained state. When stained, elastic fibers are thin, branching black lines. They give the tissue resilience so that it can stretch and rebound. Collagenous fibers are sometimes called white fibers because tissues rich in collagenous fibers in an unstained state appear white.
Cells commonly observed in this tissue include fibroblasts, mast cells, macrophages and other white blood cells.
Areolar tissue is found beneath all epithelial tissues, in the breast and surrounding organs. It cushions organs. Its location under epithelium and the presence of immune cells in this tissue allow this tissue to play a significant role in host defense.
