Question

Which of the following statements is true of connective tissue?

Elastin fibers are sometimes called white fibers.
Reticular fibers form thick, ropelike structures.
When connective tissue is stretched, collagen gives it the ability to snap back.
Collagen fibers provides high tensile strength.

Answer 1

Collagen fibers in connective tissue provide high tensile strength, which is true among the given statements. They are essential for the function of dense connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments and are sometimes referred to as white fibers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The true statement about connective tissue among the options provided is that collagen fibers provides high tensile strength. Collagen fibers feature prominently in connective tissues and offer resistance to force, thus preventing tissues from being torn apart. This is especially relevant in dense connective tissues found in tendons and ligaments, where the high amounts of collagen align in parallel to confer strength and resistance to stretching.

Contrary to the statement on elastin fibers being called white fibers, it is actually collagen fibers that are sometimes referred to as white fibers due to their color in certain stains. Elastin fibers, often called yellow fibers, are made of the protein elastin, which allows them to stretch significantly and return to their original shape, thereby providing flexibility rather than tensile strength. Reticular fibers, on the other hand, form fine networks and do not create thick, ropelike structures as suggested in one of the incorrect statements.

Answer 2

Collagen fibers provides high tensile strength.

Step-by-step explanation:

The extracellular matrix of connective tissue has three types of fibers: collagen, elastin and reticular fibers. Collagen fibers are sometimes called white fibers and are strong and resist stretching. These fibers are present in parallel bundles which in turn impart great tensile strength to the connective tissue.

Elastin fibers make a fibrous network in the matrix. Elastin fibers can be stretched up to 1.5 times their original length without breaking and resume the original shape after stretching. This ability of elastin fibers impart elasticity to the connective tissue. Reticular fibers also form the branched network in the extracellular matrix of the connective tissue.