College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What type of tissue are tendons primarily made of?

1. Loose connective tissue

2. Elastic connective tissue

3. Dense regular connective tissue

4. Adipose tissue

The correct answer is: Dense regular connective tissue

Tendons are primarily made of dense regular connective tissue. This type of tissue is characterized by a high density of collagen fibers that are oriented in parallel, which provides the tendons with great tensile strength. The parallel arrangement of collagen fibers allows tendons to effectively transmit the forces generated by muscles to the bones they attach to, facilitating movement. Dense regular connective tissue plays a crucial role in the function of tendons as it enables them to withstand the pulling forces encountered during physical activities. This arrangement also contributes to the overall durability and resistance to injury, making tendons particularly suited for their role in the musculoskeletal system. In contrast, loose connective tissue is more flexible and serves mainly as a filler between organs and structures, while elastic connective tissue allows for elasticity and flexibility but is not the predominant tissue in tendons. Adipose tissue primarily stores fat and provides insulation, and it does not contribute to the structural integrity needed in tendons. Therefore, the defining characteristics of dense regular connective tissue make it the correct type of tissue that tendons are primarily composed of.