Page 167 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

FIGURE 5.1 ■ Composite illustration of loose connective tissue with its

predominant cells and fibers.

Dense Connective Tissue

In contrast to loose connective tissue, dense irregular connective tissue

contains thicker and more densely packed collagen fibers, with fewer cell types
in the matrix and less ground substance. The collagen fibers in this tissue type
exhibit a random and irregular orientation. Dense irregular connective tissue is
present in the dermis of skin, in capsules of different organs, and in areas of the
body where strong binding and support are needed.

In contrast, the dense regular connective tissue contains densely packed
collagen fibers that exhibit a uniform, regular, and parallel arrangement. This
type of tissue is primarily found in the tendons and ligaments. In both dense

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