Collagen – What is it? The Science bit
Connective Tissue is the tissue that supports and binds or separates organs and tissues in the body; it is made up of extra cellular matrix and cells. Forms of connective tissue include bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments amongst others.
McFerran, 3rd Ed, mini-dictionary for nurses, 1996, Oxford University Press
Collagen is the main natural protein in the body that makes up the majority of the extra cellular matrix that is found in all connective tissue.
The majority of collagen in our body is type I, this is the main protein found in bones, tendons, ligaments, skin, blood vessels, cornea and hollow organs.
Collagen
Type II is tissue specific and is found in hyaline cartilage which can be found in the costal cartilages, larynx, trachea, bronchi, nose and movable joints.
Collagen-Type III, V and VI
These types are found in most tissues although only small amounts of type III can be seen in bone or cartilage.
Collagen-Type IV
Collagen type IV is tissue specific and is found in basement membrane.
All other types of collagen are tissue specific and are also classed by their protein structures.
Kumar P., Clark M. 4th Ed Clinical Medicine, 1998, Saunders, W.B., Tokyo