Which type of fiber is primarily responsible for providing tensile strength to connective tissue?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option C
The type of fiber primarily responsible for providing tensile strength to connective tissue is the collagen fiber.
Connective tissue contains several types of fibers, each serving a distinct function:
- Collagen fibers are the most abundant fibers in connective tissue. They are composed of the protein collagen, which assembles into strong, flexible bundles. These fibers provide high tensile strength, meaning they resist stretching and pulling forces, which is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of tissues like tendons, ligaments, and skin.
- Elastic fibers provide elasticity, allowing tissues to stretch and then return to their original shape, but they do not provide significant tensile strength.
- Fibrillin fibers are microfibrils that contribute to the elastic properties of connective tissue but are not the main source of tensile strength.
- Reticular fibers form a fine network that supports the cellular components of organs but do not contribute significantly to tensile strength.
Thus, the collagen fibers are crucial for withstanding mechanical stress and providing durability to connective tissues.
Reference: Robbins Basic Pathology, 10th Edition, Chapter 1: The Cell and Tissue Biology / Connective Tissue
Connective tissue contains several types of fibers, each serving a distinct function:
- Collagen fibers are the most abundant fibers in connective tissue. They are composed of the protein collagen, which assembles into strong, flexible bundles. These fibers provide high tensile strength, meaning they resist stretching and pulling forces, which is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of tissues like tendons, ligaments, and skin.
- Elastic fibers provide elasticity, allowing tissues to stretch and then return to their original shape, but they do not provide significant tensile strength.
- Fibrillin fibers are microfibrils that contribute to the elastic properties of connective tissue but are not the main source of tensile strength.
- Reticular fibers form a fine network that supports the cellular components of organs but do not contribute significantly to tensile strength.
Thus, the collagen fibers are crucial for withstanding mechanical stress and providing durability to connective tissues.
Reference: Robbins Basic Pathology, 10th Edition, Chapter 1: The Cell and Tissue Biology / Connective Tissue
Practice More Questions on Our App!
Download our app for free and access thousands of MCQ questions with detailed solutions