Using these two slides of esophagus,  sample 1 and sample 2  identify the following cells:

• Fibroblasts are the principal cells of CT proper and are capable of producing ECM components(click for image)
• Macrophages or histiocytes (click for image)
• Plasma cells (click for image)
• Mast cells are very difficult to identify in routine H&E preparations
• The leukocytes present in "CT proper" will be studied again later when we study blood

These cells of connective tissue are of major importance because of the secretory products they release during immune challenges, inflammation and wound healing.

Now let's examine the fibers that are associated with CT.