Final answer:
Elastic connective tissue is a type of dense connective tissue that is rich in elastin fibers, allowing it to stretch and recoil. It is part of the connective tissue proper and provides flexibility in structures like the ligaments of vocal folds and vertebrae.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elastic connective tissue falls into the category of connective tissue proper, specifically the dense connective tissue type. This tissue is characterized by a high content of collagen fibers, granting it substantial resistance to stretching. More precisely, elastic connective tissue is a form of dense regular connective tissue that includes a significant amount of elastin fibers in addition to collagen. These elastin fibers allow the connective tissue to stretch and return to its original shape, providing flexibility. Examples of where elastic connective tissue can be found in the body include ligaments in the vocal folds and between the vertebrae in the vertebral column.