Irregular Dense Connective Tissue. Section from an Articular Capsule

Abstract

As a result of an increase in fibrillar structures and a reduction in cells and ground substance, a dense fiber-rich connective tissue forms over areas subject to a high degree of mechanical stress. Dense connective tissue forms various organ capsules (testis, kidney, spleen, liver, etc.), the dura mater, the sclera, the stratum reticulare of the corium, the periosteum, and perichondrium, the pericardium, the skeleton of the cardiac valves, and the articular capsules. This tissue is characterized by very thick interwoven collagen fibers and fiber bundles (1). These fibers are accompanied by occasional elastic fibers (2), which are responsible for dense connective tissue reverting to its original form following deformation.