Uruj Zehra MBBS, MPhil, PhD Dense connective tissue forms strong, rope-like structures such as tendons and ligaments. Learning anatomy is a massive undertaking, and we're here to help you pass with flying colours. Dense connective tissue, is one of the types of connective tissue also referred to as dense fibrous tissue due to relative abundance of the collagen fibers. Dense connective tissue, also called dense fibrous tissue, is a type of connective tissue with fibers as its main matrix element. It also contains fewer cells and less ground substance in comparison with the other type, loose connective tissue. 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 … Before using our website, please read our Privacy Policy. Any information here should not be considered absolutely correct, complete, and up-to-date. A small amount of ground substance is present around dense regular connective tissue fibers and cells. Ligaments form from thick bundles of connective tissue, mainly forming from collagen. In a cross section, a tendon will usually appear round or oval in shape. Last reviewed: October 29, 2020 Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver, Author: The fibers are mainly composed of type I collagen. connective tissue quizzes and diagram labeling activities. [3], Anatomy photo: TermsCells&Tissues/connective/dense/dense1, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dense_connective_tissue&oldid=931282168, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 18 December 2019, at 01:45. Collagen fibers have good tensile strength and are therefore important in support. Synonym: The circulatory system is key to the transport of vital biomolecules and nutrients throughout the body. What they do is they bind the bones together and attach the muscles to the bones. They are densely spaced and the fibroblast and collagen fibers are arranged in a parallel manner. In some muscles, the bone attachment is only partially aponeurotic, and partially tendinous, but in some cases, the bone attachment is entirely aponeurotic. The old and inactive fibroblasts, also known as fibrocytes have reduced cytoplasm with few cell organelles and flattened heterochromatic nuclei. They are present close to the collagen fibers and appear as flattened, fusiform or spindle shaped cells. The dense connective tissue is a type of connective tissue proper that consists predominantly of fibers, especially type I collagen. Compared with the loose connective tissue, the dense connective tissue has less cellular variation and ground substance. Dense connective tissue, is one of the types of connective tissue also referred to as dense fibrous tissue due to relative abundance of the collagen fibers. Three stranded collagen molecules are packed together to form collagen fibrils and their alignment yield characteristic ultrastructural striations. All Rights Reserved. Dense connective tissue helps attach muscles to bones and link bones together at joints. Definition noun A type of connective tissue that contains chiefly of collagen fibers (type I collagen) relative to the ground substance and cellular components, and functions by providing strong connection between different tissues Supplement The connective tissue is an animal tissue that is comprised of specialized cells embedded in the matrix. Dense irregular connective tissue is found in high concentrations in body parts where support is needed to prevent the effects of forces that pull in multiple directions. Also, these tissues perform other function that helps in the various mechanism of the body. Kenhub. Fibrils assemble to form collagen fibers. Fibroblasts are usually the most numerous cells in dense connective tissue. Where a tendon attaches to a bone, there is a transition from cartilage to mineralised cartilage to bone. Learn about the different components and functions of the human circulatory system dealt with in detail in this tutorial. Dense irregular connective tissue is found in high concentrations in body parts where support is needed to prevent the effects of forces that pull in multiple directions. It is not intended to provide medical, legal, or any other professional advice. Dense connective tissue forms strong, rope-like structures such as tendons and ligaments. Register now There are two main forms of dense connective tissues: The main difference between the two forms is the arrangement of the fiber component. As the name suggest connective tissue is a tissue that connects the different cell and structure of the body. The matrix is abundant in extracellular components (such as fibers and ground substance). [1] The fibers are mainly composed of type I collagen. Reviewer: Collagen fibers are tough, thick fibrous proteins found in dense connective tissues. 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. Dense connective tissue also make up the lower layers of the skin (dermis), where it is arranged in sheets. Grounded on academic literature and research, validated by experts, and trusted by more than 1 million users. Tendons attach skeletal muscles to bones; ligaments connect bones to bones at joints. The content on this website is for information only. Muscle cells are specialized to generate force and movement. Ligaments are more stretchy and contain more elastic fibers and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide! Copyright © Among the collagen fibers there is a network of elastic fibers as well, to limit the distensibility of the tissue. Connective tissue is mainly a supporting tissue that binds and supports organs and the body as a whole.