Page 37 - Headlines Histology2024_Neat

TYPES OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE
CONNECTIVE TISSUE PROPER

CONNECTIVE TISSUE CELLS

2. The cells of the connective tissue are divided into two main groups:

FIXED OR PERMANENT CELL
Mesenchymal cells

• They have an irregular stellate shape with delicate branching
cytoplasmic processes that form an interlacing network throughout the
tissue.

• The nucleus is oval with dispersed chromatin and prominent nucleoli.
• Functions

• Mesenchymal cells are relatively unspecialized and are capable of
differentiation into all types of connective tissue cells including that of
the skeleton and smooth muscles.

• Some mesenchymal cells remain in mature connective tissue and
provide a source for other types of connective tissue cells.

2. Macrophages (histiocytes)

• The connective tissue macrophages may be seen in two forms: fixed
macrophage or histiocytes and stimulated or active macrophage.

Fixed macrophages or histiocytes

• It is considered one of the fixed connective tissue cells. The cells are
stellate or fusiform that is difficult to distinguish from fibroblasts.

• They could be differentiated from fibroblasts through:
1. They have smaller and darker nuclei.
2. They give a strong positive reaction when

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