RETICULAR FIBERS-1
Reticular fibers are very thin fibers of the connective tissue that can be seen with optical microscpopes. Teh often form three-dimensional networks in which cells are housed. These fibers are found in various locations in the body and, in a concentrated manner, in the lymphoid organs (spleen, lymph nodes), kidneys, liver, and smooth muscles.
The image shows two magnifications of a spleen, an organ in which many lymphocytes are lodged inside a network of reticular fibrils.
Note in the small magnification the network that extends throughout the entire organ and that has some darker locations of fiber concentration. At higher magnification, the delicacy of the fibers and the meshwork they form can be seen.
The reticular fibers in these images appear dark, brown or black, but they have not really been stained in the strict sense. The sections were subjected to a metallic impregnation technique during which metallic silver was precipitated on the fibers. For this reason, they are also called argyrophilic fibers.
The image shows two magnifications of a spleen, an organ in which many lymphocytes are lodged inside a network of reticular fibrils.
Note in the small magnification the network that extends throughout the entire organ and that has some darker locations of fiber concentration. At higher magnification, the delicacy of the fibers and the meshwork they form can be seen.
The reticular fibers in these images appear dark, brown or black, but they have not really been stained in the strict sense. The sections were subjected to a metallic impregnation technique during which metallic silver was precipitated on the fibers. For this reason, they are also called argyrophilic fibers.
Reticular fibers. Metallic impregnation. Small/medium magnification.