fibrous

Fibrous is an adjective used to describe objects or tissues that are composed of fibers or have a fibrous structure. Fibers are slender, elongated bodies with a high length-to-diameter ratio and can be natural or synthetic.

In biology and medicine, fibrous tissue refers to connective tissue rich in parallel bundles of collagen fibers, providing tensile strength. Dense fibrous tissue forms tendons and ligaments, while other forms contribute to the stroma of organs. Fibrous proteins, such as collagen and keratin, are structural proteins that assemble into long, rope-like fibers. Fibrosis is the pathological proliferation of fibrous tissue during wound healing or disease.

In anatomy, fibrous joints are joints where bones are bound by fibrous connective tissue, allowing little to no movement; sutures in the skull are typical examples. The fibrous capsule encloses many organs and muscles, adding stability.

In materials science, fibrous materials include natural fibers (for example, cellulose) and synthetic fibers (for example, polyester, nylon). They are used to reinforce composites, create textiles, and form insulation. Fibrous minerals occur as elongated crystals in geology; some fibrous minerals, such as asbestos, have been regulated due to health risks.