Connective Tissue Classification

Dense connective tissue is part of the connective tissue proper classification which is found in adult connective tissues. Dense connective tissue can be categorized as either dense collagenous connective tissue or dense elastic connective tissue. Dense collagenous connective tissue is found in tendons, ligaments, dermis, and many capsules that surround our organs. The extracellular matrix is mostly made up of collagen fibers and depending on the direction these fibers are running the matrix can be categorized as dense regular or dense irregular. In dense regular collagenous connective tissue the collagen fibers run in the same parallel direction. Which helps tendons to attach muscle to the bone and ligaments to attach bones to other bones. …show more content…
There are three different types of cartilage which each have slightly different structures and functions. Hyaline cartilage, which is composed of collagen fibers and chondrocytes which is found in the spaces of the matrix. Hyaline cartilage is found on the ends of bones providing smooth movements where the joints come together and resilient surfaces enabling tissues to move or slide over each other withstanding repeated compression. It also allows for some flexibility and support to enable growth of long bones and forming the embryonic skeleton. Fibrocartilage, is composed of more collagen than hyaline cartilage and are arranged in thick bundles. Fibrocartilage can be found between the vertebrae disks where not only does it withstand a great deal of pressure it is able to resist against pulling and tearing. Elastic cartilage, which is similar to hyaline cartilage in that it is composed of collagen fibers but it also is composed of elastic fibers as well. Elastic cartilage provides rigidity, however, it is more flexible and is able to recoil to its original shape when bent. For example, if you were to bend the tip of your ear and let go it would go back to its original