Which connective tissue type contains fibroblasts and collagen fibers arranged in a loose network?

Which connective tissue type contains fibroblasts and collagen fibers arranged in a loose network?

• A. Areolar connective tissue
• B. Dense irregular connective tissue
• C. Hyaline cartilage
• D. Reticular tissue

Answer: (A)

Fibroblasts producing extracellular matrix in a loose, open framework is the hallmark here. Areolar connective tissue has fibers—primarily collagen and elastic fibers—spread in a loose mesh with lots of ground substance, and fibroblasts interspersed throughout. This loose network allows flexibility and cushioning around vessels and organs, which fits the description perfectly. Dense irregular connective tissue, by contrast, has a dense, tightly packed collagen fiber network that provides strength in multiple directions, not a loose arrangement. Hyaline cartilage houses chondrocytes in a firm, gel-like matrix rather than a loose fiber network of fibroblasts. Reticular tissue features a mesh of reticular fibers (type III collagen) forming a scaffold, with reticular cells rather than the loose collagen fiber network described.

Fibroblasts producing extracellular matrix in a loose, open framework is the hallmark here. Areolar connective tissue has fibers—primarily collagen and elastic fibers—spread in a loose mesh with lots of ground substance, and fibroblasts interspersed throughout. This loose network allows flexibility and cushioning around vessels and organs, which fits the description perfectly.

Dense irregular connective tissue, by contrast, has a dense, tightly packed collagen fiber network that provides strength in multiple directions, not a loose arrangement. Hyaline cartilage houses chondrocytes in a firm, gel-like matrix rather than a loose fiber network of fibroblasts. Reticular tissue features a mesh of reticular fibers (type III collagen) forming a scaffold, with reticular cells rather than the loose collagen fiber network described.