Doorweefsel

Doorweefsel is a Dutch term that translates to "interwoven fabric" or "interlaced tissue." In a biological context, it refers to a type of tissue characterized by fibers that are arranged in a complex, interwoven pattern, often in multiple directions. This arrangement provides strength and resistance to tension from various angles.

Examples of doorweefsel can be found in different parts of the body. The outer layer of blood vessel walls, the tunica externa, often exhibits this structure, contributing to the vessel's ability to withstand pressure. Similarly, some ligaments and tendons, which connect bones to muscles and bones to bones respectively, employ a doorweefsel arrangement to distribute forces effectively and prevent tearing. The dermis, the deeper layer of the skin, also contains connective tissue with an interwoven pattern that contributes to its tensile strength and elasticity.

The complex interlacing of collagen and elastic fibers in doorweefsel allows it to deform under stress and then return to its original shape, a property crucial for the function of many biological structures. The specific orientation and density of these fibers can vary depending on the mechanical demands placed upon the tissue. This structural characteristic is a testament to the efficient design of biological materials, adapting form to function.