Mesenchymal connective tissue
Mesenchyme forms the
undifferentiated "filling" of the early embryo. It consists of mesenchymal cells, which interconnect by slender cell
processes. Mesenchymal cells have stem cell properties,
i.e. they are able give rise to other cell and tissues types. The wide
extracellular space between the mesenchymal cells is occupied by ground
substance, which can be stained with dyes that also stain mucin - hence the
alternative name of this tissue type: mucoid connective
tissue. Collagen or reticular fibres may not be visible at all or form a
loose network between the cells. With fetal development, mesenchyme forms the
connective tissue between and within the developing tissues and organs. Mucoid
connective tissue also forms a compliant cushion around the vessels of the
umbilical cord, where it is also called Wharton's jelly.
In adult humans, mesenchymal connective tissue is
only found in the dental pulp.
sections of umbilical cord, tooth (pulp), or sections of embryonic and early foetal
development - H&E,
Azan or Alcian blue & van Gieson
section usable for "intramembranous
ossification" during foetal development will contain areas of mucoid
connective tissue around the developing bone.
Umbilical Cord, Human - H&E and
Foetal Kidney, Human - H&E
Within the umbilical cord you will be able to identify three large vessels and
their walls. Mucoid connective tissue fills the space between the vessels and
the simple squamous epithelium lining the surface of the umbilical cord. Note
the very fine appearance of the collagen fibres and the lack of apparent
specialisations in this type of connective tissue.
The number of cells and appearance of the collagen fibres
vary depending on the precise location of the tissue. In some locations, mucoid
connective tissues will contain a large number of cells and only a few, very
delicate collagen fibres. Examples are dental pulp and the mucoid connective
tissue which is found between the developing tubuli and glomeruli of the foetal
kidney.
A small drawing should be sufficient to capture the appearance
of the tissue.
![thumbnail]( "Mesenchymal connective tissue")
Title:
Mesenchymal connective tissue
by:
om
at
2013-02-15T02:55:00+07:00
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Mesenchymal connective tissue