Embryonal Connective Tissue-Mesenchyme

The cells of the mesenchymal connective tissue contain little cytoplasm. Their partially thin, partially spread out, always branched cell processes interconnect the cells. This creates a loosely structure d three-dimensional spongy network , which is filled with a viscous intercellular substance ( amorphous gel-like ground substance, extracellular matrix). The ground substance contains the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid. Intracellular structural components, such as fibers, are not yet or scarcely present. Light microscopy does not reveal cell borders inside the spongy network . All of the connective and supportive tissues, as well as most smooth muscle cells, arise from the mesenchyme. Mesenchyme cells are pluripotent. Mesenchyme from a mouse embryo.

Stain: iron hematoxylin-acid fuchsin; magnification: × 400

References

Kuehnel, W.(2003). Color Atlas of Cytology, Histology, and Microscopic Anatomy. 4^th edition . Institute of Anatomy Universitätzu Luebeck Luebeck, Germany . Thieme Stuttgart · New York .