How many types of fibers are found in connective tissue? What is the structure and function of each fiber type?
There are three types of fibers found in connective tissues. The most common type of fibers are the collagenous fibers, composed of many strands of the protein collagen bound together. Collagenous fibers impart strength to the tissues in which they are located. They are flexible but resistant to stretching. Elastic fibers, on the other hand, are easily stretched, returning to their original shape when the stretching ceases. Elastic fibers, made of the protein elastin, are significantly thinner than collagenous fibers. Reticular fibers arise at the points where connective tissues joins with other tissues. Reticular fibers, branched and interwoven in structure, help hold the connective and non-connective tissue layers together.
