Table of Contents
Meaning & Location
Reticular tissue, a form of loose connective tissue wherein reticular fibres are the most predominant fibrous constituent, serves as the supporting structure of the bone marrow, liver and lymphoid organs (spleen, lymph nodes, and tonsils).
The word “reticular connective tissue” refers to the fibres that make up the majority of the tissue structure. Fibroblasts, known as reticular cells, are the cells that produce reticular fibres. In a number of organs, including lymph nodes and bone marrow, reticular connective tissue serves as a framework for other cells.
Reticular connective tissue is located in the bone marrow, Peyer’s patches, lymph nodes, kidney, liver, and spleen.
Characteristics
Reticular tissue is a specific form of connective tissue predominating in several regions with high cellular content. Due to the distribution of reticular fibres, it exhibits a branching, and mesh-like appearance frequently referred to as reticulum (reticulin). These fibres are type III collagen fibrils.
Like areolar connective tissue, reticular connective tissue has only reticular fibres in its matrix, creating an exemplary network along which distributed fibroblasts (reticular cells) are located.
Although reticular tissue is only found at specific locations, reticular fibres are widely dispersed throughout the body. Lymph nodes, the spleen, and red bone marrow create a labyrinth-like stroma or internal structure, which can host several free blood cells (primarily lymphocytes).
Functions
The fibres provide stroma (a soft skeleton) to sustain the lymphoid organs (red bone marrow, lymph node stromal cells and spleen).
Reticular fibres bind the adipose tissue together.
Other forms of connective tissue also contain trace amounts of reticular fibres. They form the initial structure of every tissue they are a part of, demonstrating their essential support function.
Reticular fibres support the early extracellular matrix during the formation of scar tissue, the healing of wounds, and general development. The majority of them are eventually replaced by the more robust type I collagen as the tissue matures or is repaired.
Related Links:
- Connective Tissue
- Difference between Areolar and Adipose Tissue
- Epithelial Tissue & Connective Tissue: Animal Tissue
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