What are some of the main properties of elastic fibers?

Some of the main properties of the elastic fibers in all vertebrate species are elastic recoil, resiliency and their ability to undergo very little adult cell turnover in all organs except the uterus. Elastic fibers have the ability to stretch up to 1.5 times their length. When relaxed, they will snap back to their original length.

Elastic fibers are found in the lungs, veins, arteries, periodontal ligaments, skin, fetal tissue and other body structures. They are comprised of bundles of proteins and are produced by smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts in arteries. Elastic fibers are also referred to as yellow fiber, and elastic tissue is categorized as connective tissue proper.