A loose connective tissue is a type of connective tissue. It is named for the large space between tissue cells which is caused by the dense amount of ground substance within the matrix. The gelatinous matrix greatly divides the cells and βlooselyβ packs them within the tissue.
Loose connective tissues have fibroblast cells which secrete the materials used in their matrix. This includes both collagenous and elastic fibers which trail in random directions inside the ground substance. Macrophages are also often present in loose connective tissues.
Loose connective tissues are used to connect and pack together other tissues inside an organ. The combination of both collagenous and elastic fibers makes the tissues partially flexible while still retaining their form, aiding in their function to softly pack other tissues.
A loose connective tissue is also referred to as an areolar connective tissue. Etymologically, areolar derives from areola, a term which historically referred to a βsmall, open spaceβ such as a courtyard.