Faculty/Retired
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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MH 021-022-023 Connective Tissue
Click the thumbnail to show these tissues stained with hematoxylin & eosin.
Hematoxylin & Eosin
Different types of connective tissue stained with hematoxylin & eosin (H&E). H&E stains collagen (pink/red) and muscle (pink).
- a specialized, loose connective tissue that contains large numbers of adipocytes. The cells are empty because lipids are extracted during tissue preparation. It also contains small amounts of stained pink/red.
- mesentery is an example of loose connective tissue. Mesentery is folds of connective tissue that attach organs to the walls of the abdomen. It is composed of interspersed with adipocytes, blood vessels and nerves.
- fascia lata is an example of dense connective tissue. The fascia lata is connective tissue that encloses thigh muscles. are located to the left and to the right and both are stained pink/red. (Azan can be used to distinguish collagen from muscle fibers.)
- the ligamentum nuchae is an example of elastic connective tissue. The ligamentum nuchae is a ligament at the back of the neck. with both collagen and elastic fibers. These are difficult to distinguish from each other with H&E. (Verhoeff stain can be used to identify elastic fibers.)
- the umbilical cord is an example of embryonic connective tissue. The umbilical cord connects the developing fetus and the placenta. The is from the abundant ground substance (blue) and sparse collagen fibers (pink). The collagen and muscle of is stained pink. (Azan can be used to distinguish collagen from muscle fibers.)
Azan
Click the thumbnail to show these tissues stained with azan.
Different types of connective tissues stained with azan. Azan stains collagen (blue) and muscle (red).
- a specialized, loose connective tissue that contains large numbers of adipocytes. The cells are empty because lipids are extracted during tissue preparation. IT also contains small amounts of stained blue.
- mesentery is an example of loose connective tissue. Mesentery is folds of connective tissue that attach organs to the walls of the abdomen. It is composed of interspersed with adipocytes, blood vessels and nerves.
- fascia lata is an example of dense connective tissue. The fascia lata is connective tissue that encloses thigh muscles. are located to the left are stained blue and to the right are stained red.
- the ligamentum nuchae is an example of elastic connective tissue. The ligamentum nuchae is a ligament at the back of the neck. It is with both collagen and elastic fibers. The collagen fibers are stained blue and the elastic fibers appear red in this specimen. (Verhoeff stain can be used to distinguish elastic fibers.)
- the umbilical cord is an example of embryonic connective tissue. The umbilical cord connects the developing fetus and the placenta. The is from the sparse collagen fibers. The muscle of the is stained red.
Verhoeff Stain
Click the thumbnail to show these tissues stained with Verhoeff stain.
Different types of connective tissue stained with Verhoeff stain. It intensely stains elastic fibers (black) and lightly stains collagen (red).
Elastic connective tissue is the only specimen that contains significant amounts of elastic fibers.
- the ligamentum nuchae is an example of elastic connective tissue. The ligamentum nuchae is a ligament at the back of the neck. It is dense regular connective tissue with both collagen and elastic fibers. The abundant, compact masses of are intensely stained black.
