Histology- Connective Tissue

Question 1

Areolar Connective Tissue

Answer 1

• *Structure:** Scattered fibroblasts within a ground substance, many blood vessels
• *Function:** protects tissues and organs, binds skin and some epithelia to deeper tissue, provides space for blood vessels and nerves
• *Location:** papillary layer of the dermis, surrounds organs, nerve cells, muscle cells, component of blood vessel walls

Question 2

Adipose Connective Tissue

Answer 2

Structure: nucleus pushed to edge of cell by large fat droplet, contains many blood vessels

Function: stores energy, insulates, cushions, and protects

Location: subcutaneous layer, surrounds and covers some organs

Question 3

Reticular Connective Tissue

Answer 3

Structure: very dark

Function: provides stroma (supportive framework) to lymphatic organs

Location: spleen, lymph nodes, and red bone marrow

Question 4

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Answer 4

Structure: fibroblasts in tightly packed arrays of collagen fibers, little to no ground substance

Function: attaches bone to bone, attaches muscle to bone, resists stress applied in one direction

Location: tendons (attach muscles to bone), ligaments (attach bone to bone)