What does the term 'regular' in 'dense regular connective tissue' refer to?

• A. The presence of a high number of fibroblasts
• B. The uniform distribution of adipocytes
• C. The parallel alignment of collagen fibers
• D. The irregular arrangement of elastic fibers

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'dense regular connective tissue': This type of connective tissue is characterized by its densely packed fibers, primarily collagen, which provide strength and resistance to stretching.
2. Identify the key components of dense regular connective tissue: The main components are collagen fibers and fibroblasts. Collagen fibers are the most abundant and provide structural support.
3. Clarify the meaning of 'regular' in this context: In dense regular connective tissue, 'regular' refers to the parallel alignment of collagen fibers. This arrangement allows the tissue to withstand tension in one direction, which is crucial for tendons and ligaments.
4. Differentiate from other connective tissues: Dense irregular connective tissue, for example, has collagen fibers arranged in a more random pattern, allowing it to withstand tension from multiple directions.
5. Summarize the importance of fiber alignment: The parallel alignment of collagen fibers in dense regular connective tissue is essential for its function in connecting muscles to bones (tendons) and bones to bones (ligaments), providing tensile strength and stability.