290 THE TISSUES. 



its innermost layer, where, as upon the trunk, thighs, &c., it forms a 

 tolerably firm texture without fat-cells. 



The inner surface of the subcutaneous areolar tissue is most loosely 

 adherent to the subjacent parts upon the trunk, the forearms, legs, 

 the back of the hands and feet, the eyelids, penis, and scrotum, and 

 on the extensor side of the articulations. A closer connection exists 

 where tendinous fibres or processes are inserted into the skin (leva- 

 tor labii superioris, palmaris brevis, &c.); and where this tissue is 

 connected with subjacent muscles by short, strong filaments of 

 white fibrous tissue, as on the head, alas nasi, and lips, the forehead 

 and temples, the ear, mouth, and occiput; also on the glans penis, 

 beneath the nails, &c. Generally the skin is less movable where 

 the fat forms a thick layer, than where, from any reason, it is less 

 abundant, or entirely absent. 



The external surface of the subcutaneous areolar tissue is con- 

 nected by numerous filamentous processes of white fibrous tissue 

 with the corium of the skin, and is not everywhere distinct from 

 the latter, as under the skin of the penis and scrotum (dartos). 

 Generally, however, the areolar tissue is pretty easily separable 

 from the skin, especially where the former contains an abundance 

 of fat ; except where the follicles of the larger and more closely-set 

 hairs penetrate deeply into the fat, as on the head, cheeks, chin, &c. 



The thickness of the subcutaneous areolar tissue varies much in 

 various situations. That of the eyelids and the upper and outer 

 part of the ear is ^ g of an inch thick ; of the penis, g j g ; and of the 

 scrotum, T J 5 of an inch. (Krause.) In these situations there is no 

 fat; in those next mentioned there is. On the cranium, brow, 

 nose, lobe of the ear, back of the hand and foot, the knee and elbow, 

 the thickness is 1 line, while in most other situations it is to \ of 

 an inch thick. The thickness, however, in the same part, varies 

 with the age, sex, and the individual. Women have more fat in its 

 areolse, generally, than men; and hence a greater thickness of this 

 layer, as well as a greater plumpness of form. It is thicker, pro- 

 portionally, in healthy infants and children than during adolescence. 

 In corpulent persons the subcutaneous areolar tissue may become 

 so laden with fat as to be 4 inches thick even. ; while in lean per- 

 sons, in the same situation, it may not exceed 1 line. 



Similar extremes in thickness may also present themselves in the 

 same person on passing from a state of emaciation to one of corpu- 

 lence, or the reverse. And this is a fact of greafr practical import- 



