Assertion: Areolar tissue serves as a support frame work for epitheliu...
**Assertion: Areolar tissue serves as a support framework for epithelium. Reason: Areolar tissue contains fibroblasts and mast cells.**
**Explanation:**
The assertion states that areolar tissue serves as a support framework for epithelium, while the reason provided is that areolar tissue contains fibroblasts and mast cells.
**Areolar Tissue:**
Areolar tissue is a type of connective tissue that is widely distributed throughout the body. It is composed of cells and extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix consists of a gel-like substance with various types of fibers embedded within it.
**Function of Areolar Tissue:**
Areolar tissue has several functions, including:
1. Support: Areolar tissue provides support and elasticity to neighboring tissues and organs.
2. Binding: It binds and holds organs in place, allowing them to move and expand without being damaged.
3. Defense: Areolar tissue contains immune cells, such as mast cells, which play a role in the body's defense against pathogens.
**Support Framework for Epithelium:**
Epithelium is a type of tissue that covers the surfaces of organs, forms the lining of body cavities, and lines the internal and external surfaces of hollow structures. Areolar tissue serves as a support framework for epithelium by providing a flexible and elastic layer beneath it.
The extracellular matrix of areolar tissue, which contains fibers such as collagen and elastin, helps to maintain the structural integrity of the tissue. The fibroblasts present in areolar tissue produce and maintain this extracellular matrix, contributing to its supportive function.
**Mast Cells:**
Mast cells are a type of immune cell that are present in areolar tissue. They play a role in the body's defense against pathogens by releasing chemicals, such as histamine, during an immune response. While mast cells are not directly involved in providing support to epithelium, they contribute to the overall function of areolar tissue in defense mechanisms.
**Conclusion:**
In conclusion, both the assertion and the reason are correct. Areolar tissue does serve as a support framework for epithelium, and this is due to the presence of fibroblasts that produce and maintain the extracellular matrix. However, the reason provided, which states that areolar tissue contains fibroblasts and mast cells, is not the correct explanation for the assertion. Mast cells, although present in areolar tissue, do not directly contribute to its function as a support framework for epithelium. Hence, option (2) is the correct answer.
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