Figure 3-6.—Areolar connective tissue.

Figure 3-5.—Cuboidal epithelial tissue. is found in the tympanic membrane (eardrum) as a single layer of cells or in the free skin surface in multiple layers. c. Cuboidal. This is both a secretory and protective tissue whose cells are cubical (fig. 3-5). It is found in the more highly specialized organs of the body, such as the ovary and the kidney. 2. CONNECTIVE. This is the supporting tissue of the various structures of the body. It has many variations and is the most widespread tissue of the body. It is highly vascular, surrounds other cells, encases in- ternal organs, sheathes muscles, wraps Figure 3-6.—Areolar connective tissue. 3-4 bones, encloses joints, and provides the supporting framework of the body. Struc- tures of connective tissue differ widely, ranging from delicate tissue-paper mem- branes to strong cords and rigid bones. Connective tissue is composed of few cells and large amounts of intracellular material; the reverse is true of epithelial tissue. Some of the more predominant types of connec- tive tissues are: a. b. c. Areolar. This tissue connects the various tissues of the organs. It is con- tinuous throughout the body. Nerves, blood, and lymph vessels are found in this tissue (fig. 3-6). Adipose. This tissue is generally called “fatty tissue.” It acts as a reservoir for energy-producing foods; helps to reduce body heat loss because of its poor heat conductivity; and serves as support for various organs and fragile structures, such as the kidneys, blood vessels, and nerves. Osseous. This type is a dense fibrous connective tissue that forms tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone (fig. 3-7). These tissues form the supporting framework of the body. Figure 3-7.—Osseous (bone) tissue.