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 also found in this tissue.
Its extracellular matrix consists mostly of collagen fibers as well as, depending on the placing of this tissue in the body, elastic and reticular fibers. The fibers are surrounded by the amorphous, non-fibrillar fundamental extracellular matrix.
The collages fibers can be observed under light microscopes after routine staining of the sections. The fibers are of diverse thicknesses and directions. Because of this arrangement of the fibers and the type of its extracellular matrix, the loose connective tissue can not withstand intense mechanical pressure and traction. On the other hand, it has the advantage of being very flexible. As it frquently supports lining and glandular epithelia it allows their restricted movement and undergo less mechanical damage. This tissue allows with much ease the diffusion of liquids, gases, nutrients and catabolites through its extracellular matrix.
The image shows the connective tissue that fills the villi of the small intestines and supports their surface epithelium. The villi move continuously during intestinal contractions
Intestinal villus – cross section. Staining: HE. Medium magnification.
