Using slides 43 and 66 and Fig. 5-3 identify

• Fibroblasts,
• Macrophages (histiocytes) and
• Plasma cells.
  • Plasma cells are shown ultrastructurally in Fig. 5-4.
• Mast cells are very difficult to identify in routine H&E preparations. Study them in Fig. 5-5 and 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.

What are some of the products of the cells commonly found in CT?

Under what conditions might you expect to find greatly increased numbers of macrophages and other white blood cells in the CT?

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