Connective Tissue

Of the three types of protein fibers in connective tissue collagen is by far the most abundant, and accounts for almost one third of the total body weight of humans. Under the microscope, collagen looks like a rope, with three individual protein fibers twined around each other. Collagen is extremely strong, but has little flexibility. Reticular fibers are composed of very small collagen fibers, but are shorter than collagen fibers, and they form a net-like supporting structure that gives shape to various organs. Elastin fibers have elastic properties and can stretch and be compressed, importing flexibility in the connective tissues where they are found.