Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body (~30%) and the largest component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), where it serves an essential structural role as a provider of tensile strength to tissues and organs. It is also of great importance for the elasticity of several tissues, such as tendon tissue.
Collagen is widespread across the body and forms the structural framework of connective tissues such as bone, skin, and tendons. Depending on the degree of mineralization, collagen tissues may be rigid (bone), compliant (tendons), or somewhere in between (cartilage).
