Overview
This lecture focuses on identifying the main structural features and components of dense regular connective tissue under a microscope.
Identifying Dense Regular Connective Tissue
- Dense regular connective tissue shows parallel fibers when viewed under a microscope at 100x magnification.
- The main components to identify are cells, fibers, and extracellular matrix.
- The parallel arrangement of fibers is the distinguishing feature of dense regular connective tissue.
- Cell nuclei are visible as elongated, dark structures among the parallel fibers.
- There is minimal extracellular matrix visible, with only small white spaces between fibers.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Connective Tissue — tissue that supports, binds, or separates other tissues and organs.
- Dense Regular Connective Tissue — a type of connective tissue with closely packed, parallel collagen fibers.
- Fibers — long, threadlike structures that provide strength and support in connective tissue.
- Matrix (Extracellular Matrix) — non-cellular material between cells in connective tissue.
- Nuclei — the central, darker part of a cell that contains genetic material.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the distinguishing features of dense regular vs. dense irregular connective tissue.
- Practice identifying these tissues in histology slides.