Which of the following is the main role of Type III collagen in connective tissues?
A Providing tensile strength to tendons
B Maintaining blood vessel wall integrity
C Forming bone matrix
D Supporting enamel organ structure
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
- The main role of Type III collagen in connective tissues is maintaining blood vessel wall integrity.
- Type III collagen, also known as reticulin, is a major component of the reticular fibers found in extensible connective tissues such as blood vessel walls, skin, and internal organs.
- It provides a supportive meshwork that maintains the structural integrity of delicate tissues, particularly in blood vessels, where it helps to preserve their elasticity and strength.
- Unlike Type I collagen, which is primarily responsible for providing tensile strength to tendons and bones, Type III collagen forms a fine network that supports the cellular framework within organs.
- It is essential during tissue repair and is often co-expressed with Type I collagen in healing wounds.
In contrast, Type I collagen forms the bone matrix, and enamel, related to tooth structure, does not contain collagen but instead relies on proteins such as amelogenin for support.
Thus, the correct answer is Option 2: Maintaining blood vessel wall integrity.
Key Points:
- Type III collagen = reticulin fibers.
- Provides a delicate meshwork for organs and blood vessels.
- Critical for blood vessel elasticity and strength.
- Different from Type I collagen, which provides tensile strength to tendons and forms bone matrix.