Extracellular matrixIn biology, the extracellular matrix (ECM), also called the intercellular matrix, is a network consisting of extracellular macromolecules and minerals, such as collagen, enzymes, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, and hydroxyapatite that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.CollagenCollagen () is the main structural protein in the extracellular matrix of the connective tissues of many animals. It is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up 25% to 35% of protein content. Amino acids are bound together to form a triple helix of elongated fibril known as a collagen helix. It is mostly found in cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis.
Skeletal muscleOne of three major types of muscleSkeletal muscle (commonly referred to as muscle) is one of the three types of vertebratemuscle tissue, the others being cardiac muscle and smooth muscle. They are part of the musculoskeletal system, and typically are attached by tendons to the bones of a skeleton. The skeletal muscle cells (myocytes) are much longer than in the other types of muscle tissue, and are also known as muscle fibers.
ProteoglycanProteoglycans are proteins that are heavily glycosylated. The basic proteoglycan unit consists of a "core protein" with one or more covalently attached glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain(s). The point of attachment is a serine (Ser) residue to which the glycosaminoglycan is joined through a tetrasaccharide bridge (e.g. chondroitin sulfate-GlcA-Gal-Gal-Xyl-PROTEIN).
Cartilage oligomeric matrix proteinMore reference expression dataBioGPSEnsemblUniProtRefSeq (mRNA)RefSeq (protein)Location (UCSC)Chr 19: 18.78 – 18.79 MbChr 8: 70.83 – 70.83 MbPubMed searchWikidataCartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), also known as thrombospondin-5, is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein primarily present in cartilage. In humans it is encoded by the COMPgene. FunctionThe protein encoded by this gene is a noncollagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) protein.
ElastinElastin is a protein encoded by the ELN gene in humans and several other animals. Elastin is a key component in the extracellular matrix of gnathostomes (jawed vertebrates). It is highly elastic and present in connective tissue of the body to resume its shape after stretching or contracting. Elastin helps skin return to its original position whence poked or pinched.
Muscle contractionMuscle contraction is the activation of tension-generating sites within muscle cells. In physiology, muscle contraction does not necessarily mean muscle shortening because muscle tension can be produced without changes in muscle length (isometric contraction), such as when holding something heavy in the same position. The termination of muscle contraction is followed by muscle relaxation, which is a return of the muscle fibers to their low tension-generating state.
BoneRigid organs of the skeleton of vertebratesA bone is a rigidorgan that constitutes part of the skeleton in most vertebrate animals. Bones protect the organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells, store minerals, help regulate acid-base homeostasis, provide structure and support for the body, and enable mobility and hearing. Bones come in a variety of shapes and sizes and have complex internal and external structures.
CopperChemical element with atomic number 29 (Cu)–↑Cu↓Agnickel ← copper → zinc
ManganeseChemical element with atomic number 25 (Mn)–↑Mn↓Tcchromium ← manganese → iron
CalciumChemical element with atomic number 20 (Ca)Mg↑Ca↓Srpotassium ← calcium → scandium
Connective tissueConnective tissue is biological tissue that is found in between other tissues in the body. Most types of connective tissue consists of three main components: elastic and collagen fibers, ground substance, and cells. It is one of the four primary types of animal tissue along with epithelial tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue. It develops mostly from the mesenchyme, derived from the mesoderm, the middle embryonicgerm layer.
Tension (physics)Tension is the pulling or stretching force transmitted axially along an object such as a string, rope, chain, rod, truss member, or other object, so as to stretch or pull apart the object. In terms of force, it is the opposite of compression. Tension might also be described as the action-reaction pair of forces acting at each end of an object.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.