Key:
- Collagen fibers cut longitudinally (along the length of the fiber)
- Collagen fibers cut transversely (across the width – indicating fibers are oriented in different directions)
Description:
- Here, the collagen fibers are irregularly arranged instead of being arranged in parallel bundles.
- There are a few elastin fibers to give the tissue some resiliency.
- The main cell type for this tissue is the fibroblast (which ‘builds’ the fibers)
Function:
- Able to withstand tension applied from many different directions.
- Helps to provide structural strength.
- Also helps to prevent over-expansion of organs.
Location:
- Dermis of skin
- Submucosa (a middle layer) of digestive tract
- Fibrous capsules of organs and joints
- Nerve and muscle sheaths