Overview
This lecture reviews the histological features of areolar connective tissue, emphasizing its unique components under 100x magnification.
Components of Areolar Connective Tissue
- Areolar connective tissue consists of cells, fibers, and extracellular matrix.
- The tissue appears disordered with no specific arrangement under the microscope.
- Individual cells appear as black dots and are mature fibrocytes (indicated by the suffix "-cyte").
- Fibers are visible as lines throughout the tissue sample.
Types of Fibers
- Dark black lines represent elastic fibers, which provide flexibility.
- Thick pink lines are collagen fibers, giving strength to the tissue.
- Thin pink lines are reticular fibers, also made of collagen but finer than collagen fibers.
Extracellular Matrix
- The extracellular matrix is the substance located between cells and fibers.
- On the slide, the white areas represent the extracellular matrix.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Fibrocyte — a mature cell in connective tissue responsible for maintaining fibers.
- Elastic fibers — dark lines that allow tissue to stretch and return to shape.
- Collagen fibers — thick pink fibers providing strength to the tissue.
- Reticular fibers — thin pink fibers made of collagen that form supportive networks.
- Extracellular matrix — the non-cellular material between cells and fibers.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review microscope slides to identify cells, fibers, and extracellular matrix in areolar connective tissue.