Question

Pick one component of fibrous connective tissue and explain its function/importance.

Answer 1

One of the main component of fibrous connective tissue is fibres.

There are three types of fibres.

- Collagen fibres

- Elastic fibres

- Reticular fibres

Collagen fibres:- these are one of the tough, white protien fibres that constitute much of the intercellular substance and connective tissue of the body.

- Collagen fibres contains collagen. Collagen consists of amino acids wound together to form triple helices to form of elongated fibrils.

- Collagen fibres arranged in bundles . It is mostly found in fibrous tissue such as tendons , ligaments . They binds bone and other tissues together.

Elastic fibres :- Elastic fibres are bundles of Proteins found in extracellular matrix of connective tissue .

- the primary function is to stretch the tissue upto 1.5 times of their original length and come back to their original length when relaxed.

- They are formed from the elastic microfibrils composed of proteins elastins.

- They are found in the skin , arteries , veins etc.

Reticular fibres ;-

- Reticular fibre is a type of fibre in connective tissue composed of type III collagen secreted by Reticular cells.

The fibres cross link with each other to form fine meshwork .

- This network acts as a supporting mesh in soft tissue like liver , bone marrow and organs of lymphatic system.