Reticular fiber

Reticular fibers or Reticulin is a type of fiber in connective tissue composed of type III collagen secreted by reticular cells. Reticular fibers crosslink to form a fine meshwork (reticulum). This network acts as a supporting mesh in soft tissues such as liver, bone marrow, and the tissues and organs of the lymphatic system.

Structure

Reticular fibers are synthesized by special types of fibroblasts called reticular cells. The fibers are thin and branched, forming a tightly woven fabric that joins connective tissue to adjacent tissues.

Function

Reticular fibers provide a supportive stroma (framework) for the cellular constituents of various tissues and organs. They are particularly abundant in the lymphatic system where they provide the stroma of lymph nodes, the spleen, and the bone marrow.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the production or degradation of reticular fibers can lead to pathologies. For example, Alport syndrome is a genetic disorder resulting in progressive kidney disease and is associated with abnormalities in the type III collagen found in reticular fibers.

See also

• Collagen
• Connective tissue
• Reticular cell
• Fibroblast

References

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