Collagen Type IV is found in which tissue?

Collagen Type IV is found in which tissue?

• A. Epithelial cells/Muscle cells
• B. Ligaments
• C. Hyaline cartilage
• D. Skin

Answer: (A)

Collagen Type IV forms a sheet-like network that constitutes the basement membranes underlying epithelial layers and surrounding muscle fibers. This placement explains why it’s found in tissues associated with epithelial cells and muscle cells—the basal lamina that supports epithelial adhesion and the interface around muscle fibers relies on this non-fibrillar collagen. In contrast, ligaments are rich in fibrillar type I collagen, hyaline cartilage mainly contains type II collagen, and skin’s dermal layer is primarily type I (with some type III). Thus, the tissue that best fits the presence of a basement-membrane–forming collagen is epithelia and muscle.

Collagen Type IV forms a sheet-like network that constitutes the basement membranes underlying epithelial layers and surrounding muscle fibers. This placement explains why it’s found in tissues associated with epithelial cells and muscle cells—the basal lamina that supports epithelial adhesion and the interface around muscle fibers relies on this non-fibrillar collagen. In contrast, ligaments are rich in fibrillar type I collagen, hyaline cartilage mainly contains type II collagen, and skin’s dermal layer is primarily type I (with some type III). Thus, the tissue that best fits the presence of a basement-membrane–forming collagen is epithelia and muscle.