80 NORMAL HISTOLOGY. 



to the tissue-elements it bathes, and then returns to the blood in 

 the veins through the interstices and lymphatic vessels contained in 

 the areolar tissue. In pursuance of these functions, areolar tissue 

 pervades nearly all parts of the body. Wherever bloodvessels 

 are found, there more or less areolar tissue is present, surrounding 

 them, giving them support, and furnishing channels for the lym- 

 phatic circulation. As has already been stated, this areolar tissue 

 varies in the closeness of its texture in different parts of the body. 

 The fibrous tissues of tendons and ligaments form inextensible 



FIG. 66. 



c 



Portion of a large tendon in transverse section. (Schafer.) a, sheath of areolar tissue sur- 

 rounding the tendon ; 6, longitudinal fasciculus of fibres within that sheath ; I, lymphatic 

 space; c, section of a broad extension of the ensheathing areolar tissue, dividing the 

 tendon into larger bundles ; d, e, more delicate layers of areolar tissue subdividing the 

 larger bundles of fibres. Between these areolar septa are the bundles of fibres constitut- 

 ing the tendon. The cells which lie between the smallest fasciculi of fibres appear in 

 stellate form: the cross-sections of the individual fibres, among which these cells lie, 

 are not represented. They would appear as minute dots. 



bands or cords highly resistant to tensile stress, but very pliable. 

 They consist of bundles of fibres lying parallel to each other .and to 

 the direction in which they are to resist pulling forces. Layers of 

 loose areolar tissue penetrate the ligaments and tendons, dividing 

 them into fasciculi, which in turn are united into larger bundles by 

 thicker layers of areolar tissue (Fig. 66). These sheaths of areolar 

 tissue support the vessels and nerves supplied to the denser forms 

 of the fibrous tissue making up the ligaments or tendons. The 

 thicker aponeuroses of the body may be regarded as broad and flat 



