This slide shows dense irregular connective tissue in the esophagus.  In dense irregular connective tissue the collagen fibers are interwoven and irregularly arranged (i.e. they run in more than one direction), which provides great structural strength.  The tissue is well suited for areas where tension is exerted from many different directions, such as the dermis of the skin, submucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and fibrous capsules of organs and joints.  It also forms fascia, the tough, white material that surrounds muscles.