Connective Tissue

http://district.bluegrass.kctcs.edu/rmccane0001/shared_files/bio137websi...

LCC logo

Main Tissues Page

Return to:
BIO 137 Main Page

Lab 4 Page

Areolar (or Loose)

C.T.
Identification: Loose
arrangement of thin (elastic and
reticular) and thick (collagen)
fibers that criss-cross
haphazardly.
Features to Know: collagen
fibers (1), elastic fibers (2),
fibroblasts (3).
Fibers Present: collagen fibers,
elastic fibers, reticular fibers.
Where Located: surrounding
most organs, underneath
epithelia.
Functions: wraps, cushions,
holds defensive cells, holds
fluids.

1 of 4

8/29/2016 12:43 AM

Connective Tissue

http://district.bluegrass.kctcs.edu/rmccane0001/shared_files/bio137websi...

Reticular C.T.
Identification: Dark-staining
reticular fibers (2) present, but
may be obscured by the
numerous nuclei of lymphoblasts
and other cells (1). Overall
brownish color is also
distinctive.
Features to Know:
lymphoblasts (1).
Fibers Present: reticular fibers
(2).
Where Located: spleen (also
bone marrow, lymph nodes).
Function: forms scaffolding to
support loose cells.

Adipose Tissue
Identification: Virtually no
extracellular matrix visible due
to greatly enlarged cells, nearly
the entire volume of which is a
fat vacuole (appears empty on
slide). Most likely to be confused
with simple squamous
epithelium: note that the "open"
areas are surrounded by narrow
bands of cytoplasm, not multiple,
nucleated cells. Few nuclei will
be visible (arrow).
Features to Know: adipocyte,
nucleus.
Fibers Present: none visible.
Where Located: underneath
skin, breasts, surrounding eyes &
kidneys.
Functions: energy storage,
cushioning, insulation.

2 of 4

8/29/2016 12:43 AM

Connective Tissue

http://district.bluegrass.kctcs.edu/rmccane0001/shared_files/bio137websi...

Dense Regular C.T.

Identification: Densely packed
parallel fibers. Note scattered
cells (lack of lacunae distinguish
this tissue from cartilages;
compare especially to
fibrocartilage).
Features to Know: fibroblast
(1).
Fibers Present: collagen fibers.
Where Located: ligaments and
tendons.
Function: attaches bone to bone
or muscle; resists tensile
(pulling) forces in single
direction.

Dense Irregular C.T.

Identification: The collagen
fibers are in distinct bundles,
separated by space, giving an
overall patchy or blocky
appearance very dissimilar to
other tissues.
Features to Know: fibroblasts,
if visible.
Fibers Present: collagen fibers.
Where Located: dermis of skin.
Functions: provides strength;
can withstand tensile forces in
many directions.

3 of 4

8/29/2016 12:43 AM

Connective Tissue

http://district.bluegrass.kctcs.edu/rmccane0001/shared_files/bio137websi...

(Dense Irregular)
Elastic C.T.
Identification: Similar to dense
regular CT (densely packed
collagen fibers), but with distinct
dark, usually zigzagging, lines of
elastic fibers (arrow). Although
it has a similar name to Elastic
Cartilage, these two tissues are
not that similar (note the more
parallel fibers and lack of
lacunae here).
Features to Know: fibroblasts.
Fibers Present: collagen fibers,
elastic fibers.
Where Located: aorta.
Function: elasticity (can stretch
and return to original shape).

Continue on to the Cartilage, Bone & Blood Page

This page created by Udo M. Savalli. Maintained by Bill D. Snyder Last updated August 13, 2006

4 of 4

8/29/2016 12:43 AM