-Aqsa, Subject Matter Expert at Edumarz.
Solution: Areolar tissue is also called simple loose connective tissue. It has a large amount of matrix, containing different types of cells and fibers. Collagen fibers are loosely arranged to have areolae or space between them and elastic fibers are sparse in the sticky matrix. Such tissue occurs in most body organs as packing material. It occurs under the skin and also around blood vessels, nerves and muscles. It forms the stroma of solid organs and also occurs between lobes of compound glands. Diffusion of materials can occur through this connective tissue and it forms the basement membrane of the epithelium. Areolar tissue includes Fibroblasts, macrophages, Mast cells, Lymphocytes, Adipose cells, Plasma cells. Functions of Areolar tissue includes:
Areolar connective tissue helps in providing support and binding of other tissues.
It helps in repairing tissue of the muscles and skin.
It also helps in providing defense against infection. When a region in a body experiences inflammation due to the invasion of a pathogen, the areolar tissue absorbs all the excess fluid around them. Upon absorption of fluid, the areolar tissue becomes swelled up and the skin appears puffy, this condition is called edema.