Final answer:
The main cells of loose connective tissue include fibroblasts, macrophages, and mesenchymal cells. Fibroblasts produce the collagen and elastic fibers that form the loose structure of the tissue, while macrophages help with immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main cells of loose connective tissue, also known as areolar connective tissue, are fibroblasts, macrophages, and cells that can differentiate from mesenchyme such as mesenchymal cells. Fibroblasts are crucial as they produce the fibers and matrix that give the tissue its loose structure.
Macrophages play a role in the immune response within the tissue by phagocytizing foreign particles. Mesenchymal cells can differentiate into a variety of cell types, contributing to the repair and formation of new tissue. The fibers found in the tissue include collagen and elastic fibers, which are secreted by fibroblasts.
The collagen fibers provide strength and are relatively wide, staining a light pink, while the elastic fibers are thin, stain dark blue to black, and allow the tissue to be flexible. Loose connective tissue is involved in various functions such as binding organs, holding tissue layers together, and serving as a support framework for epithelial tissues.