| Areolar connective tissue is a loose, fibrous tissue containing fibroblasts, collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers found below epithelial membranes (in the basement membrane) and packed around nerves and blood vessels. The fibroblasts secrete a watery matrix containing three main protein fibers. The reticular fibers remain from the original fetal mesenchyme (the fetal tissue used to make all adult adult connective tissues). The fibroblasts add elastin protein (for elasticity) and collagen (for raw strength). Thus in microscopy, you should see a mesh of fibers of varying thickness and color, as well as a scattering of nuclei. This is not the answer that I was looking for, however! Lets return to the original question. |