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Glite Dictionary
areolar tissue

areolar tissue

7.5
Loose soft layer under the skin that supports organs, cushions them, and connects skin to muscles
  • noun
  • /ˌɛəriˈoʊlər ˈtɪʃu/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tejido areolar
  • The areolar tissue provides a flexible connection between the skin and underlying structures in the body.

Examples

  • The skin is connected to the underlying bones or deep fascia by a layer of areolar tissue that varies widely in character in different sites and between species.

    Academic text (1995)

  • The underlying muscular layer of the body wall consists of skeletal muscles bound together by loose areolar tissues and tougher connective tissue sheaths.

    Academic text (1995)

  • In the human body, areolar tissue plays a crucial role in supporting organs and allowing movement.

  • The presence of areolar tissue allows for elasticity and cushioning in various areas, such as around nerves and blood vessels.

Synonyms

connective tissue
vsareolar tissue
  • Specialized
4 4.3

Tissue that supports and joins parts of the body like tendons and ligaments

is a specific meshwork type adding elasticity and local support
fibrous tissue
vsareolar tissue
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A mass of fibers that supports and connects body parts in animals or plants

is a loose mesh with cells giving elasticity rather than rigid support
elastic tissue
vsareolar tissue
  • Specialized
4.6

Tissue made of stretchy fibers that helps skin and blood vessels return to shape

is a mesh of mixed fibers and cells providing local support and flexibility

Surface Forms

areolar tissue singular
areolar tissues plural

Morphology

areolar + tissue

This is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'areolar' specifies a type of connective tissue with small spaces and 'tissue' denotes a group of cells, so the combined meaning is directly derivable from the constituents. The formation follows standard descriptive medical naming patterns (adj+noun) and would be predictable to a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Areolar tissue comes from the word areola, which means 'small open space' or 'little area'. This tissue is a loose net of fibers and cells with many small spaces, so the name shows how it looks and why it helps support and connect body parts.