Structure and Functions of Areolar Tissue

Note: This page is part of the section about the structure and function of different Tissue Types, which is related to the section about Histology and Cells (incl. structure of animal cells, cell division, mitosis, meiosis). This "Tissue Types" section is included to complete description of the knowledge of "Histology - The Cell" required by some courses in First-Level Anatomy and Physiology. To read about other tissue types see the list of on the left.

Areolar Tissue is a common form of loose connective tissue.

1.0 Where in the body is Areolar tissue ?

Areolar tissue is found in many locations around the body.

One important area is the skin (areolar tissue is found in both the dermis and sub-cutaneous layers of the skin - see diagram). The areolar tissue located in the skin binds the outer layers of the skin to the muscles beneath.

Areolar tissue is also found in or around mucous membranes, and around blood vessels, nerves, and the organs of the body.

 

2.0 The Structure of Areolar tissue

Areolar Tissue is loose connective tissue that consists of a meshwork of collagen, elastic tissue, and reticular fibres - with many connective tissue cells in between the meshwork of fibres. The fibres that form the mesh structure of areolar tissue include: Collagen Fibres Elastic Fibres Reticular Fibres The different types of cells embedded within the areolar tissue include: Fibroblasts Plasma Cells Adipocytes Mast Cells, and Macrophages. All of the above (fibres and cells) are embedded in a semi-fluide ground substance - which is similar to the ground substance in which the chondrocytes arelocated in hyaline cartilage tissue. Above: Diagram of Areolar Tissue

3.0 The Functions of Areolar tissue

Areolar tissue binds skin to the muscles beneath.
This loose connective tissue also forms a link between organs - while also enabling a high degree of movement between adjacent body parts.

The key functions of areolar tissue can be summarised as providing:

• Support
• Strength, and
• Elasticity.