Reticular Tissue

Structure of Reticular Tissue:

• Reticular fibers: Thin, branching fibers made of collagen that form a network.
• Reticular cells: Specialized cells that produce and maintain the reticular fibers.
• Other tissue cells: Various other cells such as macrophages and fibroblasts that are involved in immune responses and tissue repair.

Functions of Reticular Tissue:

• Structural support: Provides a framework for the organs and tissues, helping to maintain their shape and structure.
• Filtration and support for blood cells: Reticular tissue in organs like the spleen and lymph nodes supports blood cells and helps with filtration.
• Immune function: Houses immune cells and plays a role in the body's defense against pathogens.
• Tissue repair: Contributes to the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.

Location of Reticular Tissue:

• Liver: Forms the stroma of the liver, providing structural support.
• Spleen: Constitutes the stroma of the spleen, supporting blood filtration and immune function.
• Lymph nodes: Forms the supportive framework of lymph nodes, aiding in immune responses.

Histological Features:

• Under the microscope, reticular tissue appears as a mesh-like network of fibers and cells.
• Reticular fibers stain well with silver stains, making them easily identifiable in histological sections.

Related Disorders:

• Fibrosis: Abnormal accumulation of reticular fibers, leading to tissue scarring and dysfunction.
• Reticular dysplasia: Rare genetic disorders affecting the production and organization of reticular tissue, leading to various health issues.