Dense connective tissue

Question 1

What are the 3 main types of DCT?

Answer 1

Dense regular CT (ligament and tendon)
Dense irregular CT (joint capsule)
Elastic CT (lungs)

Question 2

Dense regular CT: structure (cells + matrix), function and example

Answer 2

Cells: fibroblasts
Matrix: collagen fibres in parallel bundles, few elastin fibres, great tensile strength (resists pulling in one direction)
Function: Provides strong attachment between structures
Examples: Ligament (bone to bone)
Tendon (muscle to bone)

Question 3

Dense irregular CT: structure (matrix), function and example

Answer 3

Matrix: collagen fibres in all directions, few elastin fibres, strong in multiple directions
Function: Provides strength in multiple directions
Examples: Deep fascia (sheet of protecting tissue surrounding and protecting muscles, holds groups of muscles together and separates them into groups)
Joint capsule (Envelope surrounding synovial joint)