a-short-review-of-histology

Loose Connective Tissue:

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