• Fibroblasts,
• Macrophages (histiocytes) and
• Plasma cells.
• Mast cells are very difficult to identify in routine H&E preparations.Look for them on your slides as generally round cells that appear to contain many large unstained granules.
• The leukocytes present in "CT proper" will be studied again later when we study blood.
• These cells of connective tissue are of major importance because of the secretory products they release during immune challenges, inflammation, wound healing, etc.

To the right is a picture of loose areolar connective tissue. Notice how the collagen fibers are eosinophilic.  Loose areolar connective tissue isLlocated around small blood vessels.

How does the appearance of loose connective tissue in a mesentery compare to that in sections?

Now, let's take a look at some specialized connective tissue.