Dense regular connective tissue

The collagen fibers in dense regular connective tissue are bundled in a parallel fashion.

[1] In cord arrangement, bundles of collagen and matrix are distributed in regular alternate patterns.

In sheath arrangement, collagen bundles and matrix are distributed in irregular patterns, sometimes in the form of a network.

[2] Dense regular connective tissue has great tensile strength that resists pulling forces especially well in one direction.

DRCT has a very poor blood supply, which is why damaged tendons and ligaments are slow to heal.