LOOSE CONNECTIVE TISSUE – 1
Main features of the loose connective tissue
Its predominant cells are the fibroblasts, followed by mast cells, mesenchymal cells. Various types of transient cells are found in this tissue..
Its extracellular matrix consists mostly of collagen fibers as well as, depending on their placing in the body, elastic fibers. The fibers are surrounded by the amorphous, non-fibrillar fundamental extracellular matrix.
The loose connective tissue lacks large amounts of collagen fibers and can not withstand intense mechanical pressure and traction. On the other hand, it has the advantage of being very flexible. As it supports lining and glandular epithelia, blood vessels and nerves it allows restricted movement of epithelia adapted to the motion of organs without damaging these epithelia. Furthermore, a very important function of this kind of connective tissue is it allows the relative ease of diffusion of liquids and gases between blood vessels and cells of other tissues providing them with nutrients and oxygen.
The image shows the loose connective tissue that fills the villi of the small intestines. The villi move continuously during intestinal contractions. This loose connective tissue supports the epithelium of the villi, which is responsible for much of the absorption of nutrients from the intestinal lumen. The loose connective tissue inside the villus is composed of many cells and collagen fibers.
Identify the epithelium that covers this villus.
Intestinal villus – cross section. Staining: HE. Magnification: medium.
