collagen

Chapter: 3
The collagens are a family of closely related proteins, with a triple helix protein structure. Numerous collagen types have been identified (>10); however, the following represent the most important types:

Type I
Type I collagen is the principal component of bone, skin, and tendon, and is the predominant type of collagen in a mature cicatrix (scar)

Type II
Type II collagen is the major type found in cartilage.

Type III
Type III collagen is abundant in embryonic tissues. In the adult it predominates in pliable organs, such as blood vessels, the uterus, and the GI tract.

Type IV
Type IV collagen is found exclusively in basement membranes.

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