Section III.
Organization of Cellular Tissue. Having considered the general disposition of the cellular tissue, I shall now proceed to inquire into the mechanical organization of its different parts, and into its internal composition. On these points there is much discrepancy in the opinions of anatomists. Those of Haller, Borden, and Prance almost exclusively adopt the idea of Holler; while in Germany, the theory of Bordeu is generally received.
Haller considered that the cellular tissue consisted of numerous fibres and of laminje or plates, crossing each other in every possible direction, and thus intercepting small spaces or cells, the size and form of which are very irregular. Bordeu says, that it is a viscous, homogeneous, and coherent substance, scarcely solid, and devoid of form; he also compares it to the jelly of meat, and to thick saliva, or foam. His opinion has received the support of Blumenbach, Rudolph, Meckel, etc. The last states, that in the inferior animals, and in the embryo of the human and all other species, the cellular, or, as he terms it, the mucous tissue, has the conformation described by Bordeu.
From the extiminiations which I have made of the cellular membrane, both with the naked eye and with the aid of an excellent microscope, I am induced to believe, that it consists of an immense number of fibres which cross each other in every possible direction, and thus intercept very irregular spaces. I have not been able to detect any linear or arrangement of globules, although rounded corpuscles may be seen at irregular distances, which are in some places clustered together, and in others dispersed in an isolated manner.
<Callout type="important" title="Important">The cells, which have no determined form or size, communicate with each other.</Callout> The intimate nature of the cellular tissue has been investigated by many distinguished anatomists, and, as in all other questions relating to the minute structure of the animal body, these enquiries have given rise to many contradictory theories. It was supposed by Kuysch, that this tissue is entirely vascular, and, more recently, Mascagni has said, that it consists of white vessels; it is not necessary to dwell on these hypotheses, because, in the present day, their fallacy is universally acknowledged.
This tissue is in reality composed of the elementary cellular fibre, which has been previously described. It is semi-transparent and colourless when seen in thin slices; but it becomes whitish or greyish, when it is examined in thicker masses. Meckel says, the white colour does not properly belong to this tissue. It depends, according to him, on the reflection which the light experiences from an infinity of surfaces, when the formation of a great number of layers and filaments has been caused by artificial means.
In regarding the vessels of the cellular structure, it is necessary carefully to distinguish those which merely pass through it, from those which are properly distributed to its substance. Some of the former are of considerable calibre, as, for instance, those which traverse the subcutaneous tissue in order to reach the skin. There is considerable difference of opinion among anatomists with respect to the existence of exhalant and absorbent vessels in the cellular membrane. Many writers have described such vessels, although it is very difficult to demonstrate them, in consequence of their minuteess. It is, however, stated by Bichat, that in a living animal, numerous branches may be perceived arising from the large arteries which traverse the cellular tissue, and which branches are distributed to its substance. He also says, that the exhalants may be rendered manifest by artificial injection.
The absorbing vessels, according to the same authority, correspond to the minute arteries, although they cannot be traced by the eye, nor filled by injection.
This account has been recently called in question, especially by Magendie and Fodera. These distinguished experimenters, returning to former doctrines, conceive that the phenomena of exhalation and absorption depend principally on the mechanical operation of transudation and imbibition. As I shall have occasion again to allude to these opinions, I shall merely state in this place, that they appear to be satisfactorily substantiated by numerous experiments.
We may observe, in conclusion, that although the researches of M. M. Magendie and Fodera, lend to disprove the existence of exhaling and absorbing vessels with open mouths or lateral pores, as they have been described by former writers, there is no evidence to show that the cellular tissue does not possess, like the other parts of the body, proper uleries and lymphatics for the conveyance of the secreted and absorbed fluids.
It is difficult to determine if any nerves are distributed to this structure; for although many nervous branches pass through it to other textures, no filaments can be placed into the cellular membrane; it may also be stated, as another indication of the absence of nerves, that the tissue is, in its healthy state, insensible. I can incline, however, to believe, that there is a communication with the sensorial organ, because pain is experienced in inflammation of the cellular substance.
<Callout type="warning" title="Warning">The absence of nerves in the cellular membrane means it cannot transmit pain signals effectively.</Callout>
Key Takeaways
- The cellular tissue is composed of fibres and layers, with no clear linear arrangement.
- Absorbing vessels are present but difficult to identify through visual inspection or injection.
- Pain sensation in the cellular membrane is absent due to the lack of nerves.
Practical Tips
- Understand that the cellular structure can vary widely, which is important for recognizing different types of injuries and their treatments.
- Be aware that while the cellular tissue lacks obvious nerve connections, it still plays a critical role in bodily functions such as fluid regulation.
- Use microscopic examination to identify subtle changes in the cellular tissue that may indicate underlying issues.
Warnings & Risks
Warning
Failure to recognize the absence of nerves can lead to incorrect assumptions about pain and injury.
Incorrectly assuming the presence of nerves in cellular tissue can result in ineffective treatment approaches. Always consider the microscopic examination results when assessing cellular tissue health.
Modern Application
While the historical techniques for examining and understanding cellular tissue have advanced significantly, the fundamental knowledge about its structure remains crucial. Modern medical imaging and technology can provide more detailed insights, but recognizing the basic composition of cellular tissue is still essential for diagnosing injuries and infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Haller's theory of cellular tissue consist of?
According to Haller, the cellular tissue consists of numerous fibres and laminje or plates crossing each other in every possible direction, intercepting small spaces or cells with irregular sizes and forms.
Q: How do modern anatomists view the structure of cellular tissue compared to Haller's theory?
Modern anatomists generally support Bordeu’s theory that the cellular tissue is a viscous, homogeneous substance without clear linear or arrangement of globules, though they acknowledge the complexity and variability in its composition.
Q: What are the implications of the absence of nerves in the cellular membrane?
The absence of nerves means that pain sensation cannot be effectively transmitted through this tissue. This is important for understanding how to assess injuries and treat pain in areas where cellular tissue is present.