subject: Types And Role Of Collagen In A Human Body: [print this page] Collagen that is present in living organisms is of twenty types. They are classified scientifically right from Collagen I to Collagen XII. Collagen I is found in teeth, bone, cornea, ligaments, womb, fibrous cartilage, inter-vertebral disc and in the womb. Collagen II occurs in vitreous cells, intervertebral disc and cartilage. Collagen III is found in intestines, womb, skin, jaws and heart membranes. Collagen IV is present only in membranes. Collagen V is seen in bone, cornea and cartilage. Collagen VI occurs in skin, cartilage and membranes of the stomach. Collagen VII is found in lungs, skin and cornea. Collagen VIII is produced in various cells of the body.
Collagen IX is found in cartilage and during ossification, chronodrocites are produced by Collagen X. Collagen XI is seen in bone enamel, cartilage and intervertebral cartilage. Tooth enamel, ligaments and tendons are the places where Collagen XII is seen. Collagen is a protein that contributes to about seventy five percent of the skin. It is essential for warding off fine lines and wrinkles. In the skin, collagen formations take place in both fibroblasts and keratinocyte layer. They are allowed to move freely in extracellular space.
Collagen I is responsible for the building up of the skin and basement membrane. Collagen offers elasticity and support to the skin. They are present in the dermis layer that is composed of hair follicles, blood vessels and sebaceous glands. Natural collagen is essential for enhancing visual acuity. Hydrated collagens prevail in lenses. They are also responsible for the growth of the hair and development of the bones.
