%4 



NORMA L JIISTOL G V. 



stock of food when the nutrient supply of the body falls below its 

 needs. 



The usefulness of the fibrous tissues can be readily inferred 

 from their structure. The more open varieties of areolar tissue 

 serve to (jive support to the structures they unite and to the blood- 

 vessels, lymphatics, and nerves supplied to them. They also atford 

 spaces and channels for the return of the lymph, which transudes 

 through the walls of the capillary bloodvessels, carries nourishment 

 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. 68. 





Fat crystals 



Blood capillary' 



Connective tissue 

 ffibrils 



\_Fal cell, 

 in- face view 



\_Fat cell, 



■ lateral vieiv 



Fat from the subcutaneous layer of the skin of a white mouse X 200. 



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 



