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Loose connective tissue

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"Areolar" redirects here. For other uses, see areola (disambiguation).

Not to be confused with Areola.

Loose connective tissue, also known as areolar tissue, is a cellular connective tissue with thin and
relatively sparse collagen fibers. They have a semi-fluid matrix with lesser proportions of fibers. Its
ground substance occupies more volume than the fibers do. It has a viscous to gel-like consistency
and plays an important role in the diffusion of oxygen and nutrients from the capillaries that course
through this connective tissue as well as in the diffusion of carbon dioxide and metabolic wastes back
to the vessels. Moreover, loose connective tissue is primarily located beneath the epithelia that cover
the body surfaces and line the internal surfaces of the body. It is also associated with the epithelium of
glands and surrounds the smallest blood vessels. This tissue is thus the initial site where pathogenic
agents, such as bacteria that have breached an epithelial surface, are challenged and destroyed by
cells of the immune system.[1]

In the past, the designations areolar tissue,

Loose connective tissue
adipose tissue, and reticular tissue have been
listed as subsets of loose connective tissue.
However, they are no longer considered
subsets of loose connective tissue. Loose
connective tissue is a subset of connective
tissue proper. Furthermore, areolar tissue is
the same as loose connective tissue, adipose
tissue is a subset of specialized connective
tissue, and reticular tissue is the presence of
reticular fibers and reticular cells together
forming the stroma of hemopoietic tissue Section of dermis. The papillary dermis consists of
(specifically the red bone marrow) and loose connective tissue.
lymphatic tissue organs (lymph nodes and
Details
spleen but not the thymus).[1]
Identifiers
Most cell types in loose connective tissue are
transient wandering cells that migrate from Latin textus connectivus laxus
local blood vessels in response to specific
stimuli. Loose connective tissue, therefore, is a TA98 A04.5.02.020

site of inflammatory and immune reactions. In A16.0.03.006

areas of the body where foreign substances

TA2 7089
are continually present, large populations of
immune cells are maintained. For example, the TH H2.00.03.1.00002
lamina propria, the loose connective tissue of
FMA 19783
mucous membranes, such as those of the
respiratory and alimentary systems, contains Anatomical terminology
large numbers of these cells.[1] [edit on Wikidata]

Contents

Structure
Composition

Location

Fibers

Areolar tissue

Function

Clinical significance

See also

References

Structure

Composition

It is a pliable, mesh-like tissue with a fluid matrix and functions to

cushion and protect body organs.

Fibroblasts are widely dispersed in this tissue; they are irregular

branching cells that secrete strong fibrous proteins and
Schematic representation of the
proteoglycans as an extracellular matrix.
composition of loose connective tissue

The cells of this type of tissue are generally connected by a gelatinous substance known as ground
substance primarily made up of collagenous and elastic fibers.

Location

It may be found in tissue sections from almost every part of the body. It surrounds blood vessels and
nerves and penetrates with them even into the small spaces of muscles, tendons, and other tissues. It
may likewise be present in the mediastinal extremities. Nearly every epithelium rests on a layer of
areolar tissue, whose blood vessels provide the epithelium with nutrition, waste removal, and a ready
supply of infection-fighting leukocytes when needed. Because of the abundance of open, fluid-filled
space, leukocytes can move about freely in areolar tissue and can easily find and destroy pathogens.

The areolar tissue is found beneath the epidermis layer and is also underneath the epithelial tissue of
all the body systems that have external openings. it makes the skin elastic and helps it to withstand
pulling pain. It is also a component of the lamina propria of the digestive and respiratory tracts, the
mucous membranes of reproductive and urinary systems, the stroma of glands, and the hypodermis of
the skin. It is also found in the mesentery which is surrounding the intestine.

Fibers

Loose connective tissue is named based on the "weave" and type of its constituent fibers. There are
three main types:

Collagenous fibers: collagenous fibers are made of collagen and consist of bundles of fibrils that are coils
of collagen molecules.

Elastic fibers: elastic fibers are made of elastin and are "stretchable."

Reticular fibers: reticular fibers consist of one or more types of very thin collagen fibers. They join
connective tissues to other tissues.

Areolar tissue

Areolar tissue (/ǝˈriːǝlǝr/ or /ˌɛǝriˈoʊlǝr, ˌær-/[2][3]) is a common type of loose connective tissue (and
the most widely distributed type of connective tissue in vertebrates). It is so-named because its fibers
are far enough apart to leave ample open space for interstitial fluid in between (areola is Latin for a
"little open space"). It is strong enough to bind different tissue types together, yet soft enough to
provide flexibility and cushioning. It exhibits interlacing,[4] loosely organized fibers,[citation needed]
abundant blood vessels, and significant empty space filled with interstitial fluid. Many adjacent
epithelial tissues (which are avascular) get their nutrients from the interstitial fluid of areolar tissue; the
lamina propria is areolar in many body locations. Its fibers run in random directions and are mostly
collagenous, but elastic and reticular fibers are also present. Areolar tissue is highly variable in
appearance. In many serous membranes, it appears as a loose arrangement of collagenous and elastic
fibers, scattered cells of various types; abundant ground substance; numerous blood vessels. In the
skin and mucous membranes, it is more compact and sometimes difficult to distinguish from dense
irregular connective tissue.

Function

Areolar connective tissue holds organs in place and attaches epithelial tissue to other underlying
tissues. It also serves as a reservoir of water and salts for surrounding tissues. Almost all cells obtain
their nutrients from and release their wastes into areolar connective tissue.

Clinical significance

This section needs expansion. You

can help by adding to it. (March
2018)

Organs that are rich in loose connective tissue (such as the eyelids) are usually sites that undergo
oedema, indicating kidney failure or nephrotic syndrome. Therefore, periorbital swelling is one
characteristic finding in severe kidney disease.

See also

Dense connective tissue

List of distinct cell types in the adult human body

References

1. ^ a b c
Pawlina, Wojciech; Ross, Michael (2020). Histology : a text and atlas : with correlated cell and molecular
biology (Eighth ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health. ISBN 9781496383426.

2. ^ "Areolar" . Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary . Retrieved 2016-01-21.

3. ^ "Areolar" . Lexico UK English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 2020-03-
22.

4. ^ "areolar tissue" "at Dorland's Medical Dictionary

Last edited on 28 August 2023, at 16:39

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