Structure-Function.org

Since you have the luxuryLuxury? Yes, a luxury because, on a lab practicum, your instructor will expect you to figure out the primary tissue type on your own. of already knowing this is connective tissue, focus on the open matrix formed from gelatinous (c) and fibrous (a & d) components.

Once you have classified the tissue, you should be able to identify the cell type (b) that is responsible for producing the matrix.

Areolar connective tissue

1. Elsastic fiber
2. Fibroblast
3. Ground substance
4. Collagen fiber
5. Widespread*
6. "Packing" material**

*This is a widespread tissue—here are some locations: lamina propria of mucous membranes; papillary layer of dermis

**This is the ultimate "packing" tissue: its "airy" open-framework of elastic and collagen fibers allows it to provide support while permitting movement. In addition, the resident macrophages and mast cells provide immune protection from pathogens.