Dense connective tissue is a type of connective tissue that contains a tight network of collagen fibers in a viscous matrix, with fewer cells and less ground substance than loose connective tissue. These are of three types, dense regular, dense irregular, and elastic tissues. The dense regular tissue comprises collagen fiber bundles arranged in parallel with fibroblast cells in alternating layers. These tissues are present in tendons and ligaments, where they are resistant to pulling forces and allow limited stretching. Dense irregular tissues comprise thicker bundles of collagen fibers and fibroblast cells that are randomly arranged, giving an irregular appearance. These tissues form a protective fibrous covering around organs and joint capsules, where the irregularly arranged tissue components allow them to withstand compression. Elastic tissue comprises elastin fibers, which can stretch and recoil to their original size. These can be found in large arteries like the aorta, forming an elastic sheet around the blood vessels.