Final answer:
Dense regular connective tissue has collagen fibers aligned in parallel, providing strength in one direction, primarily found in tendons and ligaments, while dense irregular connective tissue features a chaotic arrangement of fibers, offering strength in multiple directions, common in skin dermis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The matrix of dense regular connective tissue proper is characterized by collagenous fibers arranged neatly in parallel bundles. This precise alignment provides the tissue with great tensile strength, primarily in one direction, and is essential for transferring forces between muscles and bones. Found in tendons, which attach muscles to bones, and ligaments, which connect bones to other bones, these parallel bundles are crucial for the function of the tissue.
In comparison, dense irregular connective tissue has collagen fibers that are interwoven in a chaotic, mesh-like network. This arrangement allows the tissue to withstand tension from various directions, making it ideal for areas that undergo stress in multiple planes, such as the dermis of the skin.
Dense connective tissues are part of connective tissue proper, which includes both this dense type and the looser, more flexible loose connective tissue. Dense connective tissue is rich in fibers which contribute to its roles in elasticity and protection within the body.