fibrosus

Fibrosus is a Latin adjective used in anatomy and histology to describe tissues that are fibrous, meaning rich in dense collagen fibers and capable of withstanding tension. In medical terminology, fibrosus is applied to structures that are predominantly composed of fibrous connective tissue, signaling their strength and stiffness.

The term appears in several well-known anatomical names. For example, annulus fibrosus refers to the fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc, which provides structural integrity around the softer central nucleus pulposus. Tunica fibrosa denotes the fibrous coat of a structure, such as the eye, where it forms the protective, collagen-rich outer layer. The feminine form fibrosa and neuter fibrosum follow Latin grammar, while fibrosus is used with masculine nouns.

Usage and meaning extend beyond single structures: fibrosus is often employed to indicate dense connective tissue that contributes to attachment, confinement, or protection within an organ or body region. Such tissues typically exhibit high tensile strength and resistance to stretching, due to abundant collagen fibers and relatively little ground substance.

Fibrosus is a descriptive descriptor rather than a distinct tissue type. It characterizes the architectural and mechanical properties of a structure, rather than naming a separate tissue category. In pathology or clinical descriptions, a structure described as fibrosus generally implies a fibrous, stiff, or scar-like component rather than a different, softer tissue state.