Areolar connective tissue is made of cells and extracellular matrix ("extra-" means "outside", so the extracellular matrix is material that is outside of the cells). The matrix has two components, fibers and ground substance.Areolar tissue is found in many locations around the body.

One important area is the skin (areolar tissue is found in both the dermis and sub-cutaneous layers of the skin - see diagram). The areolar tissue located in the skin binds the outer layers of the skin to the muscles beneath.

Areolar tissue is also found in or around mucous membranes, and around blood vessels, nerves, and the organs of the body.Areolar Connective TissueThese tissues are widely distributed and serve as a universal packing material between other tissues. The functions of areolar connective tissue include the support and binding of other tissues.

It also helps in defending against infection. When a body region is inflamed, the areolar tissue in the area soaks up the excess fluid as a sponge and the affected area swells and becomes puffy, a condition called edema.