What Is Fibrous Connective Tissue?
Fibrous connective tissue, sometimes referred to as FCT, is tissue made up of high-strength, slightly stretchy fibers. These fibers consist mainly of collagen, water and complex strands of carbohydrates called polysaccharides. The fibrous connective tissue provides support and shock absorption to surrounding organs and bones. As fibrous connective tissue cells and fibers are so densely packed together, they are sometimes simply referred to as dense connective tissues. Connective tissue is one of the four main kinds of tissue within the body and is found throughout to hold other tissues and organs together. The non-living portion of these tissues, such as that found in fibrous connective tissue, is known collectively as matrix. Damage to this tissue or degenerative diseases may cause loss of support, grinding bones, inflammation and pain.
