Reticular fiber

Reticular fibers are made of thin bundles of collagen fibrils (collagen type 3) and have a diameter of 0.2 to 1 micron. They are visible by light microscopy, however, be distinguished only by means of special dyes, such as Versilberungstechnik or PAS - reaction of other collagen fibers. Because of their affinity for silver salts they turn black in the silver stain and are called argyrophilic fibers. The reticular fibers are mainly found in reticular connective tissue. They are also part of the basal membrane and form a support membrane for Epithelverbände (eg Drüsenendstücke, tubules ) by capillaries, fat cells, muscle, peripheral nerves.