fibrous
Meaning of fibrous: Fibrous tissue is made up of dense strands of connective fiber, giving it strength and structure but comparatively little flexibility.
Definition of fibrous
Fibrous describes tissue or material composed of or resembling fine strands, or fibers, of connective tissue. Fibrous connective tissue, made largely of a protein called collagen, provides structural support and strength throughout the body, forming components such as tendons, ligaments, and the tougher outer capsules of certain organs and joints.
In pathology, describing a lesion or area of tissue as fibrous indicates that it is composed largely of this dense connective tissue rather than more cellular or fluid-filled material, which can influence how firm the tissue feels on examination and how it appears on imaging. Some conditions specifically involve an abnormal increase in fibrous tissue, distinguishing them from processes involving a different type of tissue growth.
Because fibrous tissue is generally less flexible and less metabolically active than many other tissue types, an increase in fibrous tissue within an organ can affect that organ's overall flexibility and function.
Used in a sentence
The mass was described as firm and fibrous on physical examination.
Good to know
A fibrous lesion tends to feel firm and fixed on examination, which can help distinguish it clinically from a softer, fluid-filled, or more cellular growth, though imaging or biopsy is often still needed for confirmation.
Word origin
Where “fibrous” comes from
From Latin fibra, meaning "fiber" or "thread."