Loose connective tissue is the type of connective tissue which "loosely" binds structures together. The extracellular matrix contains thin bundles of collagen fibres. The matrix usually supports a rich blood supply although much of it may be passing to supply other structures.
The cells which lay down the extracellular matrix in loose connective tissue are known as fibroblasts. Depending on the location, other cell types particularly those associated with the immune system, may be scattered through this type of tissue. Overall, loose connective tissue contains a greater volume of cells than collagen fibres ( dense connective tissue contains a greater volume of collagen fibres than cells).
Loose connective tissue is widespread in the body. It encloses structures, and attaches them to adjacent structures. In the dissections you will examine, the structures have often been separated by teasing apart the loose connective tissue holding structures together. In surgery , the same loose connective tissue layers are used to separate structures with minimal damage.
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