An amorphous, homogenous, transparent, and hydrated gel. It consist mainly in water that is stabilized by proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid, mineral salts, and glycoproteins
Present in all connective tissues, although in differing amounts
Made up of collagen
Collagenous connective tissue (Ordinary connective tissue) – most commonly occurring type of connective tissue in the body, THE MAIN EXTRACELLULAR FIBERS
Colorless in vivo, when present in abundant amounts, as in tendons, imparts WHITE COLOR
2 – 10 um in diameter
Appears pink in H&E prep because they are ACIDOPHILIC
Most common types of collagen are Types I, II, III
Collagen fibers are made up of collagentypeI
Collagen fibers are slightly flexible but inelastic