Biology · Structural Organisation in Animals · NEET
Mast cells are resident cells of loose (areolar) connective tissue, NOT free-flowing blood cells. They sit fixed in the tissue near small blood vessels. Basophils are the blood cells that look similar to mast cells, but the two are different. NEET 2023 tested exactly this: Mast cells match with Areolar connective tissue.
Both live in areolar tissue but do opposite jobs. Macrophages are the 'eaters' (phagocytes) that engulf germs and dead cells. Mast cells are the 'alarm' cells that store and release chemicals like histamine and serotonin during an allergic reaction. Do not swap their functions in a match-the-column question.
Mast cells release histamine and serotonin, not antibodies. NCERT clearly states allergy is due to the release of chemicals like histamine and serotonin from the mast cells. Antibodies (like IgE) are made by plasma cells; they only trigger the mast cell to release histamine.
Areolar tissue is LOOSE connective tissue. The fibres are few and loosely arranged in a large amount of jelly matrix, so cells and fluid can move freely. Dense connective tissue (tendons, ligaments) has fibres packed tightly with almost no matrix. A common NEET trap is matching areolar tissue to tendons, which is wrong.
Three main cells: fibroblasts (secrete collagen and elastin fibres), macrophages (phagocytic, eat pathogens), and mast cells (release histamine for allergy). It also has two fibre types (collagen for strength, elastin for stretch) held in a semi-fluid ground substance.
Match List I and List II. List I: A. Mast cells B. Inner surface of bronchiole C. Blood D. Tubular parts of nephron List II: I. Ciliated epithelium II. Areolar connective tissue III. Cuboidal epithelium IV. Specialised connective tissue
Which type of tissue correctly matches with its location?
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
Mast cells store and release chemicals like histamine and serotonin. During an allergic reaction they release histamine, which causes symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing and asthma. They are the body's inflammation-signalling cells inside areolar tissue.
Areolar tissue is found beneath the skin, between muscles, and around blood vessels, nerves and organs. It acts like a soft packing material that holds structures together and supports epithelium.
Two types: collagen fibres (give strength) and elastin fibres (give flexibility). They are made by fibroblasts and lie loosely in a semi-fluid ground substance.
NCERT states allergy is due to histamine and serotonin released from mast cells. In asthma, an allergic reaction of mast cells in the lungs inflames the airways, so a common NEET question links asthma to mast cells.
They are similar in function and both release histamine, but basophils circulate in the blood while mast cells stay fixed in areolar connective tissue. For NEET, remember mast cells belong to tissue, basophils to blood.
