Final answer:
Collagen fibers in connective tissue provide resistance to being stretched or torn apart, giving the tissue tensile strength. Dense connective tissue, which includes tendons and ligaments, has a higher density of these fibers, resulting in increased elasticity and protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Resistance to being stretched or torn apart is a characteristic provided by collagen fibers in connective tissue. Connective tissue serves to hold in place, connect, and integrate the body's organs and systems. Dense connective tissue is a type of connective tissue proper that contains many fibers that provide both elasticity and protection. Collagen fibers give connective tissue tensile strength, which is the strength required to resist expansion or pulling apart. Tendons and ligaments are examples of structures made up of dense regular connective tissue that exhibit high tensile strength.