Collagen mechanical strength

C. Much of collagen s strength arises from the special mechanism of its synthesis, post-translational modification, and assembly into collagen fibers (Figure 2-3). 

Structure. Some proteins provide protection and support. Structural proteins often have very specialized properties. For example, collagen (the major components of connective tissues) and fibroin (silk protein) have significant mechanical strength. Elastin, the rubberlike protein found in elastic fibers, is found in several tissues in the body (e.g., blood vessels and skin) that must be elastic to function properly. 

Collagen fibers, which provide mechanical strength and resilience... 

The media represents the major portion of the vessel wall and provides most of the mechanical strength necessary to sustain structural integrity. The media is organized into alternating layers of interconnected smooth muscle cells and elastic lamellae. There is evidence of coUagen throughout the media. These small collagen fibers are found within the bands of smooth muscle and may participate in the transfer of forces between the smooth muscle cells and the elastic lamellae. The elastic lamellae are composed principally of the fiberous protein elastin. The number of elastic lamellae depends upon the wall thickness and the anatomical location [12]. In the case of the canine carotid, the elastic lamellae account for a major component of the static structural response of the blood vessel [13]. This response is modulated... 

---