American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What components make up the meshwork in areolar tissue?

1. Adipocytes and mast cells

2. Collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers

3. Chondrocytes and osteocytes

4. Myocytes and neurons

The correct answer is: Collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers

Areolar tissue is a loose connective tissue that provides support and flexibility throughout the body. The meshwork of areolar tissue is primarily composed of three types of fibers: collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers. Collagen fibers are robust and provide tensile strength, allowing the tissue to withstand stretching and pulling forces. Elastic fibers offer elasticity, enabling the tissue to return to its original shape after being stretched, which is essential for areas that experience repeated deformation. Reticular fibers form a supportive network that helps maintain the structure of various organs and tissues by providing a delicate framework. In contrast, the other components listed, such as adipocytes and mast cells, play roles in storage and immune response but do not constitute the foundational meshwork required for the structural composition of areolar tissue. Similarly, chondrocytes and osteocytes are specialized cells found in cartilage and bone, respectively, while myocytes and neurons are associated with muscle and nerve tissue, which are entirely different from the functions and structures associated with areolar tissue. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the specific fibrous components that create the essential network for areolar tissue.