Which type of connective tissue are ligaments? a. Supportive b. Vascular c. Dense fibrous d. Adipose
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c. Dense fibrous connective tissue.
Ligaments are composed primarily of dense fibrous connective tissue. This type of connective tissue contains tightly packed collagen fibers that provide high tensile strength, allowing ligaments to connect bones to other bones effectively. The dense arrangement of collagen fibers gives ligaments the ability to resist stretching and support joints, maintaining stability during movement.
Dense fibrous connective tissue can be further divided into regular and irregular types. Ligaments consist mostly of dense regular fibrous connective tissue, where collagen fibers are aligned in parallel, providing strong resistance to pulling forces along the direction of the fibers. This organization is essential because ligaments must withstand the stresses and strains generated when joints move.
Supportive connective tissues, such as bone and cartilage, provide structural support and shape to the body but are different from ligaments in composition and function. Vascular connective tissue refers to blood, which is fluid and involved in transport rather than structural support. Adipose tissue is specialized for fat storage and cushioning rather than connecting or supporting bones.
Because ligaments have limited blood supply, healing after injury tends to be slow compared to more vascular tissues. Their dense fibrous nature is important for their mechanical role but also contributes to their relatively poor regeneration.
In summary, ligaments are dense fibrous connective tissue designed for strength and stability, making option c the correct choice.