Connective and supporting tissues

Special connective tissues

• include reticular, adipose and gelatinous tissues
• they were labeled as special due to a prevalence of homogenous specialized cells and some features of intercellular substance composition

Reticular tissue

• constitutes the myeloid and lymphoid stroma in hematopoietic and immune
• contains reticular cells and fibers (collagen type III) that together form a 3D network

Reticular tissue

Adipose tissue

• is formed by agglomerations of fat or adipose cells and by a small number of collagen fibers
• depending on its structure and adipose cell functions, it can be classified into white and brown adipose tissue

Adipose tissue

Gelatinous tissue

• is found during the embryonic period only, in particular, in the fetal umbilical cord
• its intercellular substance is highly hydrated, so the turgor pressure is elevated thereby preventing the umbilical cord compression together with blood vessels that run in the cord

Gelatinous connective tissue