The term areolar connective tissue means tissue with ‘small open spaces’ (areola) and refers to the appearance of small airy pockets between the network of cells and fibers. Within this tissue there are three main types of cells (fibroblasts, white blood cells, and mast cells), three types of fibers (collagen fibers, elastin fibers, and reticular fibers), and a background fluid matrix that all the elements sit in, called ground substance. In this picture, the collagen fiber is the only visible fiber. Collagen fibers are the thickest of the fibers within areolar tissue. They are one part of a two-part ‘rubber band’ system within the tissue. Collagen fibers provide the tissue with a high degree of stretch while protecting the tissue from tearing through its high tensile strength, meaning it can withstand a high degree of stretch without tearing. source: Function of Areolar Connective Tissue. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2020, from https://study.com/academy/lesson/function-of-areolar-connective-tissue.html
The term areolar connective tissue means tissue with ‘small open spaces’ (areola) and refers to the appearance of small airy pockets between the network of cells and fibers. Within this tissue there are three main types of cells (fibroblasts, white blood cells, and mast cells), three types of fibers (collagen fibers, elastin fibers, and reticular fibers), and a background fluid matrix that all the elements sit in, called ground substance. In this picture, the collagen fiber is the only visible fiber. Collagen fibers are the thickest of the fibers within areolar tissue. They are one part of a two-part ‘rubber band’ system within the tissue. Collagen fibers provide the tissue with a high degree of stretch while protecting the tissue from tearing through its high tensile strength, meaning it can withstand a high degree of stretch without tearing. source: Function of Areolar Connective Tissue. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2020, from https://study.com/academy/lesson/function-of-areolar-connective-tissue.html