| Elastin is a protein fiber seen in the most stretchable connective tissues. It forms a mesh around cells and looks like dark cotton candy in microscope slides. It allows the external ear lobe to stretch and the epiglottis to fold back when you swallow to protect the opening to the trachea (since both are made of elastic cartilage). This is not the answer that I was looking for, however! Lets return to the original question. |