Dense (Regular) Connective Tissue

Fibrous Connective Tissue

Tendons

These consist of bundles of collagenous fibers arranged in parallel. They are arranged this way to form cords which have great tensile strength. Tendons function to anchor or bind muscles to bones.

This slide demonstrates the arrangement of the collagen fibers in Tendon. The yellow lines show the parallel bundles of collagen in a regular pattern.

LigamentsThese consist mostly of bundles of elastin molecules formed into elastic fibers with some bundles of collagen. Ligaments are therefore more elastic and flexible thantendons but offer less tensile strength. Ligaments function to hold or bind bone to bone.

Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts - This most common and characteristic C. T. cell type secretes the fibers and ground substance of connective tissue. When not actively engaged in synthesis, these cells may be called fibrocytes. One final note, the blood supply to tendons and ligaments is quite poor. How does this affect their behaviour in the body?

Dense (Regular) Connective Tissue• Fibrous connective tissue

– Tendons

– Ligaments

• Rigid Connective Tissue– Cartilage

• Hyaline• Elastic• Fibrous

– Bone• Compact• Spongy