64 VETERINARY LECTURES 



supplied with bloodvessels, nerves, and absorbents (Plate VIII.). 

 Their action is under the influence of the nervous system. Muscle, 

 in a state of rest, is said to be neutral, or slightly alkaline, but 

 becomes acid when in action. In close connexion with the 

 muscular system there is also other tissues, such as cellular, white 

 fibrous, yellow elastic, and adipose. 



1 20. Cellular or Areolar Tissue consists of small filaments 

 interwoven together, forming a network. It is found in the different 

 organs of the body, giving support to their substance, also binding 

 them together and holding them in position. Cellular tissue is loose 

 connective tissue having large interspaces. 



121. White Fibrous Tissue is made up of bundles of very 

 fine white fibres, and is the very tough, unyielding substance found 

 in the tendons of muscles and most ligaments ; it is also present 

 in the periosteum, pericardium, etc. Fibrous tissue is the con- 

 nective tissue of the body, and composed of fibres. 



122. Yellow Elastic Tissue consists of yellow elastic branching 

 fibres, which are much larger than those of the white fibrous tissue, 

 but not so tough or strong, and, as the name indicates, more elastic. 

 It is of this connective tissue that the middle coat of the larger 

 arteries is formed, and it is very plentiful beneath the skin. It is 

 also found in certain ligaments, the ligamentum nucha, for example, 

 being entirely composed of this tissue. 



123. Adipose or Fatty Tissue consists of a number of cells 

 containing an oily substance, held together by a network of areolar 

 tissue. It is found in nearly every part of the body — underneath 

 the skin, around joints, and enveloping the kidneys, etc. 



124. Tendons or Sinews are amber-coloured, dense fibrous 

 structures, forming bands and cords attaching muscles to the bones, 

 and found at the ends of muscles at their points of origin and 

 termination. They are most abundant in the lower parts of the 

 extremities, shielding and protecting joints ; at other times they 

 are spread out like a fine, strong, thin membrane, according to their 

 situation and action. They are very strong and fibrous, combining 

 great strength with lightness ; their extreme strength being well 



