What type of fiber primarily binds bones and other tissues together?

• A. Elastic Fibers
• B. Collagen Fibers
• C. Ground Substance
• D. Fibroblasts

Answer: (B)

Collagen fibers are the primary structural component that binds bones and other tissues together. These fibers provide strength and resilience to various connective tissues throughout the body. They are composed of collagen, a protein that is abundant in the extracellular matrix, which supports tissue structure and integrity.

In the case of bones, collagen fibers form a scaffold that not only gives bones their tensile strength but also aids in the integration of minerals, contributing to the bone's durability. In tendons and ligaments, collagen fibers are dense and arranged in parallel, optimizing their strength and ability to withstand tensile forces. This makes collagen fibers pivotal in maintaining the structural coherence of tissues and organs, as they create a network that helps hold cells together and provide mechanical support.

While elastic fibers allow for elasticity and flexibility, ground substance provides a medium through which nutrients and waste products can diffuse but does not bind tissues directly. Fibroblasts are the cells that produce collagen and other extracellular matrix components, but they are not the fibers themselves. Therefore, collagen fibers are the most critical element for binding tissues like bones together.