Dense irregular connective tissue
This tissue is characterized by thick, interlacing collagen fibers and bundles, with reduced intervening gelatinous ground substance. Fibers are seen sectioned longitudinally (ls) and transversly (xs). The majority of cells are fibroblasts. All connective tissue proper possesses elastic fibers, however, they are difficult to distinguish from collagen with this hematoxylin and eosin stain. 400x
Collagen fibers (ls)
This tissue is characterized by thick, interlacing collagen fibers and bundles, with reduced intervening gelatinous ground substance. Fibers are seen sectioned longitudinally (ls) and transversly (xs). The majority of cells are fibroblasts. All connective tissue proper possesses elastic fibers, however, they are difficult to distinguish from collagen with this hematoxylin and eosin stain. 400x
Collagen fibers (xs)
This tissue is characterized by thick, interlacing collagen fibers and bundles, with reduced intervening gelatinous ground substance. Fibers are seen sectioned longitudinally (ls) and transversly (xs). The majority of cells are fibroblasts. All connective tissue proper possesses elastic fibers, however, they are difficult to distinguish from collagen with this hematoxylin and eosin stain. 400x
Fibroblast nuclei
This tissue is characterized by thick, interlacing collagen fibers and bundles, with reduced intervening gelatinous ground substance. Fibers are seen sectioned longitudinally (ls) and transversly (xs). The majority of cells are fibroblasts. All connective tissue proper possesses elastic fibers, however, they are difficult to distinguish from collagen with this hematoxylin and eosin stain. 400x
Blood vessels
This tissue is characterized by thick, interlacing collagen fibers and bundles, with reduced intervening gelatinous ground substance. Fibers are seen sectioned longitudinally (ls) and transversly (xs). The majority of cells are fibroblasts. All connective tissue proper possesses elastic fibers, however, they are difficult to distinguish from collagen with this hematoxylin and eosin stain. 400x