CONNECTIVE TIHSUE. (\\ 



the division of old ones may acquire the power of amoeboid 

 movement and become wandering cells. It is known also that 

 wandering cells may lose their motility and be transformed into 

 fixed connective-tissue cells. Both these considerations play an 

 important role in the formation of pus in an inflammatory 

 process. 



Wandering cells may contain pigment granules in their pro- 

 toplasm and form motile pigment cells. 



The relative number of these different cells in the connective 

 tissue is very variable, and is dependent on conditions which 

 are not well understood. 



In describing the development of Jibrlllar connective tissue, 

 we must consider not only the origin of its constituents, but 

 also the relation which exists genetically between the cellular 

 elements and the intercellular substance. Connective tissue 

 arises, as has been mentioned, from the mesoderm, and passes 

 through the stage of gelatinous or mucoid tissue. The changes 

 which the cells undergo in the formation of mucoid tissue have 

 already been spoken of. The whole connective tissue at first 

 consists of cells, and the mucin-containing ground substance 

 which develops between the cells is a product or secretion of 

 these. The solution of the problem as to the formation of the 

 two kinds of fibres is difficult. According to most authorities, 

 the fibres are of cellular origin ; according to others, they are 

 intercellular structures. Schwann considers that the fibres are 

 formed by a stretching out and elongation of the cell body and 

 a disappearance of the nucleus. Lebert and Robin modify 

 Schwann's conception slightly, and regard the bundles of 

 connective tissue as derived from the protoplasm by a process 

 of division ; so that the cell loses its individuality as such, and 

 becomes changed into one or more fibres. According to 

 Virchow's theory, on the contrary, the cells have nothing to do 

 with the formation of the fibres ; these arise in the hitherto 

 homogeneous ground substance. Merkel, v. Ebner, and others 

 also adhere to this theory. Finally, other authors (Schulze, 

 Flemrning, Mall, Spuler) regard the fibres as a derivation of the 

 peripheral part of the cell protoplasm /. e., the exoplasm. 



