Dense Connective Tissue

Dense Connective Tissue

1. Fibroblasts

   • Fibroblasts are usually the most numerous cells in both forms of connective tissue. They are responsible for the synthesis of collagen and extracellular matrix

2. Collagens fibers

   • Collagen fibers are tough, thick fibrous proteins found in dense connective tissues. It has many types but in dense connective tissue mainly type I collagen is present.

3. Dense Irregular CT

   • The type I collagen fibers of the dense irregular connective tissue are surrounded by small amounts of ground substance. Among the collagen fibers there is a network of elastic fibers as well, to limit the distensibility of the tissue. Ground substance is amorphous and gel-like in texture that surrounds cells. The collagen fibers in dense irregular connective tissue are orientated randomly.
   • It can be found in a number of locations within the body, including the dermis of the skin, in glandular tissue, in the walls of organs, and in the whites of the eyes.

4. Dense Regular CT

   • Dense regular connective tissue is mainly made up of type I collagen fibers. It is found in areas of the body where large amounts of tensile strength are required, like in ligaments, tendons and aponeurosis. The collagen fibers are densely packed together and arranged in parallel to each other. This arrangement allows the fibers to have a good resistance to forces pulling along a single axis, but also gives some ability to stretch.