Final answer:
Areolar tissue does contain a mixture of collagen and elastic fibers, as well as a variety of cell types, making the statement true. It's found throughout the body, providing support, flexibility, and filling spaces between tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true: Areolar tissue indeed contains a mixture of collagen and elastic fibers, along with a diverse array of cell types. Areolar tissue, also known as loose connective tissue, is characterized by its little specialization, with cells dispersed throughout a matrix that resembles a pulled apart cotton ball. This type of connective tissue fills spaces between muscle fibers, envelops blood and lymph vessels, supports organs within the abdominal cavity, and underlies most epithelia, playing a pivotal role in forming the connective tissue component of epithelial membranes.
Elastic fibers in areolar tissue, made of the protein elastin, allow for flexibility and stretching, while collagen fibers contribute to strength and prevent the tissue from tearing. Macrophages and fibroblasts are among the cell types present, making areolar connective tissue not only tough but flexible. It is this composition that enables areolar tissue to function in support and protection within the human body.