Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of connective tissue: Elastic tissue is a specialized form of connective tissue. Its primary and defining characteristic is that it is composed mainly of elastic fibers. These fibers provide the tissue with the property of elasticity, allowing it to stretch and then return to its original shape.
   • Function and location: This tissue is essential for providing flexibility and resilience to organs and structures that undergo repeated stretching. It is a key structural component found in specific areas of the body, such as the dermis layer of the skin, the walls of arteries and veins, and within certain ligaments and tendons.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The aorta contains a high proportion of elastic tissue to withstand the pressure of blood pumped from the heart.
  • Aging can reduce the amount of functional elastic tissue in the skin, leading to a loss of elasticity.
  • The ligament's strength and flexibility come from its blend of collagen and elastic tissue.

Advanced Usage

• "Rich in elastic tissue": A phrase used to describe a biological structure that contains a significant amount of this material, emphasizing its elastic properties.
  • The walls of large arteries are particularly rich in elastic tissue.
• "Elastic tissue fibers": Refers specifically to the individual protein fibers (primarily elastin) that make up the tissue.
  • Under the microscope, the pathologist observed fragmented elastic tissue fibers.

Variants and Related Words

• Elastic fiber (n): The microscopic, stretchable protein fiber that is the main constituent of elastic tissue.
• Elastin (n): The primary protein that forms elastic fibers, giving them their elastic properties.
• Connective tissue (n): The broad category of tissue that includes elastic tissue, as well as other types like bone, cartilage, and loose connective tissue.

Synonyms

• Elastic connective tissue: A more precise technical synonym.
• Yellow elastic tissue: A historical or descriptive term sometimes used, referring to the faint yellow color of the fibers.

Related Phrases

• Elastic tissue disorder: A medical term for conditions affecting the integrity of elastic fibers.
  • Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects elastic tissue throughout the body.
• Degeneration of elastic tissue: A process describing the breakdown or loss of this tissue, often due to age or disease.
  • Emphysema involves the degeneration of elastic tissue in the lungs.

Noun

1. connective tissue consisting chiefly of elastic fibers found in the dermis of the skin and in the walls of veins and arteries and in some tendons and ligaments