RETICULAR FIBERS-1
Reticular fibers are very thin connective tissue fibers that can be observed with a light microscope. They are found in many parts of the body and are particularly abundant in lymphoid organs, such as the spleen and lymph nodes, as well as in the kidneys, liver, and around smooth muscle cells.
In some organs,such as in the liver, kidney, reticular fibers form a delicate three-dimensional network that surrounds and supports the spaces occupied by cells.
At low magnification, observe how the reticular fiber network extends throughout the organ. Notice also the darker areas where the fibers are more concentrated. At higher magnification, you can see the individual fibers and the fine meshwork they form more clearly.
In these images, the reticular fibers appear dark brown or black. Strictly speaking, however, they were not stained by a conventional histological dye. Instead, they are demonstrated by a metal impregnation technique, in which metallic silver is deposited on the fibers. For this reason, reticular fibers are also called argyrophilic fibers.
In some organs,such as in the liver, kidney, reticular fibers form a delicate three-dimensional network that surrounds and supports the spaces occupied by cells.
At low magnification, observe how the reticular fiber network extends throughout the organ. Notice also the darker areas where the fibers are more concentrated. At higher magnification, you can see the individual fibers and the fine meshwork they form more clearly.
In these images, the reticular fibers appear dark brown or black. Strictly speaking, however, they were not stained by a conventional histological dye. Instead, they are demonstrated by a metal impregnation technique, in which metallic silver is deposited on the fibers. For this reason, reticular fibers are also called argyrophilic fibers.
Reticular fibers. Metallic impregnation. Smal and medium magnification.