(Fibrous Connective Tissue)

In zootomy, fibrous connective tissue (FCT) is a type of connective tissue which has relatively high tensile strength, due to a relatively high concentration of collagenous or elastic fibers. Such tissues form ligaments and tendons; the majority of the tissue does not contain living cells, and is primarily composed of polysaccharides, proteins, and water.

Fibrous connective tissue is found adjacent to the Müller’s muscle.^[1]

The cells of fibrous connective tissue are mostly fibroblasts, irregular, branching cells that secrete strong fibrous proteins as an extracellular matrix.

• The most commonly secreted protein is collagen which represents one-fourth of all vertebrate protein. Collagen is tough and flexible and gives strength to tissue. [
• Elastin fibres are thinner than collagen fibres and are also secreted by fibroblasts. These protein fibres have longer cross-links than collagen fibres, which gives elastin fibres great elasticity.

There are several categories of fibrous connective tissue:

• Loose connective tissue supports most epithelia and many organs. It also surrounds blood vessels and nerves. It is also found between muscles
• Dense connective tissue has collagen fibres as its main matrix element.
• Elastic connective tissue is primarily composed of elastin fibres, giving them great elasticity. It appears in the walls of the aorta.
• Reticular connective tissue is composed of interlacing fibers of collagen called reticular fibers. This tissue forms supporting structures for many organs, such as the spleen and thymus.252

• Lateral retinaculum

• 
  Bladder

cs:Vazivo sk:Väzivo

Template:WH Template:WS