The Main Component Of Protein Connective Tissue

Collagen, is the main structural protein in the extracellular matrix of various connective tissues in the body. As the main component of connective tissue, it is the most abundant protein in mammals, accounting for 25% to 35% of the protein content of the whole body. Collagen is composed of amino acids bound together to form triple helical fibrils called collagen helices. It is mainly found in connective tissues such as cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments and skin.
Depending on the degree of mineralization, collagen tissue can be rigid (bone), compliant (tendon), or have a gradient from rigid to compliant (cartilage). It is also abundant in the cornea, blood vessels, intestines, intervertebral discs, and dentin in teeth. In muscle tissue, it is the main component of the endomysium. Collagen makes up 1-2% of muscle tissue and 6% of the weight of strong tendons. The fibroblasts are the most common cells that create collagen. Gelatin, which is used in food and industry, has irreversibly hydrolyzed collagen. Collagen has many medical uses in the treatment of bone and skin complications.
The name collagen is derived from the Greek κόλλα (Kolla), meaning "glue" and the suffix -γέν, -gen, meaning "to produce". This refers to the early use of the compound in the process of boiling the skin and tendons of horses and other animals to obtain glue.