Loose connective tissue skin and mucous membranes, it is more compact and sometimes difficult to distinguish from dense irregular connective tissue. Areolar connective tissues hold organs in place and attaches epithelial tissue to other underlying tissues. It also serves as a reservoir of water and salts for surrounding tissues. Almost all cells obtain their nutrients from and release their wastes into areolar connective tissue. Organs that are rich in loose connective tissue(such as the eyelids) are usually sites that undergo oedema indicating renal failure or nephrotic syndrome. Thus periorbital swelling is one characteristic finding in severe renal disease Loose connective tissue Loose connective
Edema pressure. Peripheral pitting edema, as shown in the illustration, is the more common type, resulting from water retention. It can be caused by systemic diseases, pregnancy in some women, either directly or as a result of heart failure, or local conditions such as varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, insect bites, and dermatitis. Non-pitting edema is observed when the indentation does not persist. It is associated with such conditions as lymphedema, lipedema, and myxedema. Edema caused by malnutrition defines kwashiorkor, an acute form of childhood protein-energy malnutrition characterized by edema, irritability, anorexia, ulcerating dermatoses, and an enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates. A rise