Which collagen type is commonly found in ligaments and fibrocartilage?

Which collagen type is commonly found in ligaments and fibrocartilage?

• A. Type II
• B. Type III
• C. Type IV
• D. Type I

Answer: (D)

Collagen type I provides the tensile strength needed in tissues that are regularly stretched or pulled. Ligaments are dense regular connective tissue rich in type I collagen, with fibers aligned to resist pulling forces. In fibrocartilage, the fibrous component also contains type I collagen, which adds toughness, even though the cartilaginous matrix mostly involves type II collagen. The combination lets fibrocartilage handle both compressive and shear stresses. Type II is the main collagen in hyaline and some cartilaginous tissues, type III appears in soft tissues like skin and during early wound healing, and type IV is a component of basement membranes. So, the collagen most commonly found in ligaments and in the fibrous parts of fibrocartilage is type I.

Collagen type I provides the tensile strength needed in tissues that are regularly stretched or pulled. Ligaments are dense regular connective tissue rich in type I collagen, with fibers aligned to resist pulling forces. In fibrocartilage, the fibrous component also contains type I collagen, which adds toughness, even though the cartilaginous matrix mostly involves type II collagen. The combination lets fibrocartilage handle both compressive and shear stresses. Type II is the main collagen in hyaline and some cartilaginous tissues, type III appears in soft tissues like skin and during early wound healing, and type IV is a component of basement membranes. So, the collagen most commonly found in ligaments and in the fibrous parts of fibrocartilage is type I.