Question

When muscle tissue dies, it usually is replaced with dense collagenous connective tissue. How do these tissues differ in structure? Will the muscle be able to function normally? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Answer:

Damaged muscle tissue is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. This is called as 'Fibrosis'. Thicker than the surrounding tissue, scar tissue is paler and denser because it has a limited blood supply; although it takes the place of damaged or destroyed tissue, it is limited in function, including movement, circulation, and sensation.

Dense irregular connective tissue contains fibroblasts scattered amongst randomly oriented collagen fibers, whereas muscular tissues contain multinucleated muscle cells that are able to contract upon stimulation. Because the connective tissue cells cannot contract, the muscle will lose strength, and so muscle function will become impaired.