papillary and reticular
The dermis of integument (skin) is a great example of both loose and dense irregular connective tissue. This creates two regions
papillary zone
directly below the epidermis and this is where loose connective tissue with blood vessels, small nerve bundles and/or fibers, mast cells and histiocytes can be observed
papillary ridges or dermal papillae
The projections of the loose connective tissue which extend upward into the epidermis are
epidermal pegs
the extensions of the epidermis down are referred to as
Why, what is the function of these ridges/pegs?
Bring nourishment to the hair follicles and bring oxygen to the epidermis cell.
Fingerprints
At the tips of human fingers, these ridges create something unique, what is that?
the reticular zone of dermis consists of dense irregular connective tissue
What function does this portion of the dermis provide?
Provide structure for fibroblast secretions collagen.
Subcutaneous or hypodermis region
a great place to find adipocytes
Adipose
The prevailing tissue that exists in this region is
elastic and collagenous fibers
Fibroblast
What cells are creating these fibers?
How does the function of this collagen bundles connective tissue differ from the others?
Dense regular connective tissue resists physical stress in one direction. Loose connective tissue and dense irregular issue allow movement of tissue in multiple directions.
Look at one other slide available to you and note the connective tissue. Would you call it loose or dense? Regular or irregular?
Artery: Dense – regular elastic connective tissue
Nerve: Dense – irregular tissue
Vein: loose – irregular tissue