ELASTIC AND COLLAGEN FIBERS IN THE MESENTERY
In this stained fragment of a whole fragment of mesentery can be observed elastic fibers (some highlighted in white) and collagen fibers (some highlighted in blue).
The collagen fibers vary in thickness and usually follow a wavy or irregular path. They are stained red or orange by acidic dyes such as eosin, Orange G, and Sirius Red.
Elastic fibers are much thinner and have a relatively uniform diameter. They often branch and form an interconnected network. Special stains are generally required to make them clearly visible with a microsscope because they are usually difficult to distinguish in sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).
The collagen fibers vary in thickness and usually follow a wavy or irregular path. They are stained red or orange by acidic dyes such as eosin, Orange G, and Sirius Red.
Elastic fibers are much thinner and have a relatively uniform diameter. They often branch and form an interconnected network. Special stains are generally required to make them clearly visible with a microsscope because they are usually difficult to distinguish in sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).
Whole-mount of mesentery. Staining: Picro-sirius + Weigert. Medium Magnification.
