CH. IV.] 



ADIPOSE TISSUE 



33 



tissue. It is found in the ligamentum nuchae of the ox, horse, and 

 many other animals ; in the ligamenta subflava of man ; in the 

 arteries and veins, constituting the fenestrated coat of Henle ; in the 

 lungs and trachea ; in the stylo-hyoid, thyro-hyoid, and cricothyroid 

 ligaments ; and in the true vocal cords. 



Elastic tissue, being extensible and elastic (i.e., recoiling after it 

 has been stretched), has a most important use in assisting muscular 





FIG. 46. Transverse section 

 of a portion of lig. nuchse, 

 showing the angular out- 

 line of the fibres. (After 

 Stohr.) 



FIG. 45. Elastic fibres from the 

 ligamenta subflava. x 200. 

 (Sharpey.) 



tissue in a mechanical way, and so lessening the wear and tear of such 

 an important tissue as muscle. Thus, in the ligamenta subflava of the 

 human vertebral column it assists in the maintenance of the erect 

 posture; in the ligamentum nuchae in the neck of quadrupeds it 

 assists in the raising of the head and in keeping it in that position. 

 In the arterial walls, and in the air tubes and lungs, it has a similar 

 important action, as we shall see when discussing the subjects of the 

 circulation and respiration. 



Adipose Tissue. 



In almost all regions of the human body a larger or smaller quantity 

 of adipose or fatty tissue is present; the chief exceptions are the 

 subcutaneous tissue of the eyelids, penis and scrotum, the nymphse, 

 and the cavity of the cranium. 



Adipose tissue is developed in connection with areolar tissue, and 

 forms in its meshes little masses of unequal size and irregular shape, 

 to which the term lobules is applied. 



