NORMAL HISTOLOGY. 



FIG. 31. 



Connective-tissue cell from young subcu- 

 taneous tissue : w, wing-like expansion seen 

 in profile.. 



1 1 . The elastic reticulum of organs. 



1 2. The supporting and uniting framework of the various organs, 

 13. Adipose tissue. 



The cellular elements of the connective tissues are usually de- 

 scribed as of two kinds the "fixed" or connective-tissue cells 

 proper and the migratory or ' ' wandering' ' cells. The former, in 



their typical and unrestrained con- 

 dition, are flattened stellate pro- 

 toplasmic plates, each with a nu- 

 cleus occupying the thicker part of 

 the body of the cell, from which 

 branched processes extend; in some 

 instances the protoplasm extends in 

 several planes as thin, plate-like 

 wings. The nuclei are limited by 

 distinct membranes, and frequently 

 contain well-marked nucleoli. 



While possessing in its early condition the plate-like form in a 

 greater or less degree, the ordinary connective-tissue cell, owing to 

 its participation in the formation of the intercellular tissue, suffers 

 greatly during the later stages of its history; the expanded cell-body 



soon gives place to smaller outlines, 

 while the protoplasm diminishes until 

 the once large element is reduced to 

 the inconspicuous spindle-cells of 

 adult areolar tissue, in which only a 

 thin envelope of protoplasm sur- 

 rounds the nucleus. The connective- 

 tissue cells, when rich in protoplasm 

 and under favorable conditions, are 

 capable of exhibiting amoeboid move- 

 ments, the variations being, however, 

 limited to alterations of form brought 



Embryonal connective tissue: the inter- a b O ut by the extension Or retraction 

 cellular substance is only slightly differen- , 



of the protoplasmic processes. 



FIG. 32. 



Associated with the flattened, plate- 



like elements of connective tissue, in many places are found the highly- 

 vacuolated plasma- cells of Waldeyer. These are of uncertain form, 

 often irregular, extended, or spindle, and consist of soft protoplasm, 

 which, owing to the numerous vacuoles contained, presents an appear- 

 ance in marked distinction to that of the ordinary branched cell. 

 The plasma-cells probably bear a somewhat constant relation to 

 young tissues in which the formation of new blood-vessels is still 

 progressing. 



