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 fibers. Such tissues form ligaments and tendons; the majority of the tissue does not contain living cells, the tissue is primary composed of polysaccharides, proteins, and water.

Related Topics:
Zootomy - Connective tissue - Tensile strength - Concentration - Collagenous fiber - Ligament - Tendon - Living - Cells - Polysaccharide - Protein - Water

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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 fibers are thinner than collagen fibers and are also secreted by fibroblasts. These protein fibers have longer cross-links than collagen fibers, which gives elastin fibers great elasticity.

Related Topics:
Fibroblast - Extracellular matrix - Protein - Collagen - Elastin

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