What Is Dense Connective Tissue?
Connective tissue is present throughout the human body and serves a variety of crucial functions beyond connecting body parts. It takes various forms as it supports, insulates, and protects the body. Dense connective tissue, also called dense fibrous tissue, forms the body’s tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, and aponeuroses, as well as the dermis of the skin. There are three different types of dense connective tissue: dense regular connective tissue, dense irregular connective tissue, and elastic connective tissue. Fibers are the primary components of any dense connective tissue. Collagen fibers, the strongest and most prevalent fibers in dense connective tissue, provide tensile strength and support. Elastic fibers are like rubber bands — they can stretch to a certain point and will then snap back to their original position.
