Anatomy
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What is Loose Connective Tissue?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

There is a great deal of loose connective tissue in the body, and — like other connective tissue — it provides a matrix of support and cushioning that is designed to protect delicate organs and other vulnerable parts of the body. It's found around organs and blood vessels, under the dermis layer of skin, and in the structure of a number of body systems, including the reproductive, digestive, urinary, and respiratory. People may also refer to it as areolar tissue.

Connective tissue in general is characterized by the presence of fibroblasts, cells that product collagen and elastin, two types of fibers that make tissues stronger and more resilient. In the case of loose connective tissue, the cells are very loosely packed and the tissue is quite soft, in contrast with fibrous or dense connective tissue, where the fibroblasts are very densely arranged and the tissue is extremely firm. Tendons are an example of dense connective tissue.

Anatomical model of the human body
Anatomical model of the human body

The space between fibroblasts is filled with fluids and ground substance, a gelatinous material. This provides ample space for blood vessels and nerves to move through the tissue. For this reason, this tissue is often found at boundaries in the body, supplying other types of tissue with blood and lymph and carrying wastes away. It underlies mucus membranes in areas like the digestive tract and can also be found where the skin and the muscles connect.

Loose connective tissue is rich in blood and lymph because of the numerous vessels that run through it. Because it is not very fibrous, it is highly flexible and malleable. This type of tissue acts as a cushion to absorb and distribute impacts so that underlying structures are not damaged, protecting the organs and other body parts it is connected to. It also rapidly restores blood supply after injuries by providing means for blood and lymph to reach the site of an injury.

Other types of connective tissue in the body include cartilage, bone, blood, skin, and tendons. These forms of tissue are more differentiated and specialized to perform specific tasks in the body. A number of diseases can affect the connective tissue, and some people have genetic conditions that interfere with the production or healing of connective tissue and the fibers it contains. Other people develop infections and inflammation in their connective tissue that can lead to permanent damage in some cases.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

B707

I just got through looking at a detailed drawing of the human body and was surprised to see all the locations where the loose connective tissue could be found. It is kind of like pieces of mesh and wraps around blood vessels, nerves, muscles, organs and layers of skin.

The loose connective tissues provides salt, water, and nutrients to the cells located nearby. The tissues provide a place for getting rid of toxins and waste from cells.

I wonder how surgeons can get around all this loose connective tissue to get to the body part they need to fix?

BoniJ

I've been having an issue lately with cartilage. I have osteoarthritis in my knee. Cartilage is supposed to protect the ends of the bones in a joint from rubbing against each other. When the cartilage starts wearing away, the bones rub against each other and it can be painful. I don't know if my condition is wear and tear or genetic.

Could this have any effect on my loose connective tissue?

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    • Anatomical model of the human body
      Anatomical model of the human body