Collagen is found in all of our connective tissues, such as dermis, bones, tendons, and ligaments, and also provides for the structural integrity of all of our internal organs.[1,2] Therefore, because of its wide distribution throughout our bodies, it represents one of the most abundant naturally occurring proteins on earth.[3] To understand the overall structure of the collagen molecule, think of it as the reinforcement rods called re-bar that are used in concrete construction. Indeed if one converts the molecular dimensions of the collagen molecule to measurements that we can relate to, the molecule when scaled up would measure one inch in diameter to approximately 17 feet long. Therefore, collagen is indeed nature's re-bar, because it is responsible for the strength and integrity of all of our connective tissues and organ structures.
One can visualize the ultrastructure of collagen by thinking of the individual molecules as a piece of sewing thread. Many of these threads are wrapped around one another to form a string (fibrils). These strings then form cords; the cords associate to form a rope, and the ropes interact to form cables. The structure is just like the steel rope cables on the Golden Gate bridge. This highly organized structure is what is responsible for the strength of tendons, ligaments, bones, and dermis.
When the normal collagen in our tissues is injured and replaced by scar collagen, the connective tissue does not regain this highly organized structure. That is why scar collagen is always weaker than the original collagen. The maximum regain in tensile strength of scar collagen is about 70 to 80 percent of the original.[24] Collagen synthesis and remolding (see below) continue at the wound site long after the injury. The body is constantly trying to remodel the scar collagen to achieve the original collagen ultrastructure that was present before the injury. This remodeling involves ongoing collagen synthesis and collagen degradation. Anything that interferes with protein synthesis will cause the equilibrium to shift, and collagen degradation will be greater than collagen synthesis. For example, patients who are malnourished or patients receiving chemotherapy may experience wound dehiscence, because the wound site will become weak due to a shift in the balance toward collagen degradation.
According to Celleraterx.com, collagen is present in 30 percent of your body tissue and 70 percent of your skin tissue.
Type l is collagen found in your skin, bones, tendons, teeth and in scar tissue. Type ll is collagen found in cartilage and a clear gel substance in your eyeball called the vitreous humor. You can find Type Ill collagen in cells of the skin, muscles, blood vessels and lungs. Type lV collagen is intracellular collagen found in the linings of your body organs, called basement membranes, and vertebrae of your spine, also called the lamina.
Factors such as ultraviolet rays of the sun or the lightbulbs used in tanning booths, free radical cells, problems relating to glucose metabolism and effects of smoking can cause changes to the structure of collagen.
Until you reach approximately 40 years of age, your body consistently produces collagen. After this time, collagen levels start to decline. By the time you reach approximately 60 years of age, all types of collagen are present in greatly reduced amounts. Factors that result in damage to collagen molecules can speed up the decline of overall collagen levels.
