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Elastic CT

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Cells

As with all connective tissues, there are fibrocytes secreting and maintaining the fibers of the matrix.

Fibers

The elastin fibers of elastic CT have a unique and characteristic squiggle to them. Depending on the stains used, elastin fibers can be stained pink or black. They are always embedded within a lighter color. This allows the waviness or squiggle to appear.

Matrix

The ground substance of elastic connective tissue is a gel-like matrix composed of glycoproteins and proteoglycans. This ground substance fills the spaces between the elastic fibers.

Functions

Elastic connective tissue allows organs and tissues to stretch and recoil (the recoil is important). This elasticity is crucial for maintaining the structure and function of organs. These organs undergo repeated stretching and recoiling. Examples include blood vessels, bladder, and the lungs.

Locations

Elastic connective tissue is found in structures where elasticity and flexibility are required. These include the walls of large blood vessels, like the aorta. It is also found in the respiratory airways, such as the trachea and bronchi. Certain ligaments, such as the ligamenta flava in the spine, also contain this tissue. Elastic connective tissue is less abundant in the body compared to other types of connective tissue but plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and function of elastic structures

Microscopic image of Elastic Connective Tissue (stained with Verhoeff's). Composition features a dense network of dark purple fibers intermingled with red collagen bundles. The image is evenly lit revealing texture and fiber arrangement. Shows connective tissue components with clear structural details.
Figure 1: Elastic connective tissue fibers stained with Verhoeff’s stain and red stain under a microscope.
Photomicrograph of elastic connective tissue, stained pink. The upper left portion shows the tissue boundary, characterized by undulations and folds. Parallel elastic fibers run diagonally across the frame, with interspersed cell nuclei appearing as elongated dark shapes. Resolution is high, revealing details of the tissue structure.
Figure 2: Elastic connective tissue under microscope. Pink-stained fibers showing wavy structure.
Microscopic image showcasing elastic connective tissue, stained pink contrasting with deep purple. Predominantly shows densely packed wavy elastic fibers running diagonally across the frame. Small, darkly stained nuclei appear scattered throughout the fibrous matrix against a light background. High magnification reveals intricate banding within the fibers.
Figure 3: Elastic connective tissue: pink stained fibers with dark purple nuclei. Microscopic view.

Easily Confused With

Elastic cartilage and transitional epithelium (not because they look alike, but because the names get confusing)

Figure 1: Skin, homo, Verhoeff stain, 20X, Slide 33
Figure 2: Mesentery, H&E, 40X Slide 030
Figure 3: Aorta, H&E, 20X Slide 88
All by University of Michigan Histology, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.

Explore More on Connective Tissues Histology

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General Information
Adipose CT
Areolar CT
Reticular CT
Dense Regular CT
Dense Irregular CT
Elastic CT
Bone CT
Hyaline Cartilage CT
Elastic Cartilage CT
Fibrocartilage CT

List of terms