The subcutaneous layer beneath the dermis of the skin is an example of loose connective tissue. Examine this slide under scanning power and identify the subcutaneous layer . Switch over to low and high and examine the connective tissue below the adipose cells. Note the cells with purple nuclei and the reddish stained fibers. Examine the groups of adipose cells and look for an intact cell showing the large central vacuole of fat and the peripheral ring of cytoplasm where the nucleus is located.
Adipose cells are specialized for fat storage.
When many adipose cells are present in connective tissue, it is called adipose tissue . Make a drawing of a group of adipose cells and label the cell membrane, central vacuole, and peripherally located nucleus. Examine the cells and note the characteristic appearance of adipose cells - large fat vacuole, peripheral cytoplasm, and peripheral nucleus. Dense connective tissue makes up tendons , ligaments , and the dermis of skin. Also, note the cells present in the matrix of the dermis, especially those just beneath the epidermis.