At higher magnification, the collagen fiber bundles that characterize dense
irregular connective tissue can be clearly resolved. Note the endothelium-lined
vessels of the vascular system and the relatively few cells present in the
dense connective tissue, as compared with the layer of loose connective tissue
just beneath the stratified squamous epithelium of the epidermis. Most of
the nuclei seen within the dense connective tissue those of fibroblasts and
macrophages.
