Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

Which tissue does collagen predominantly support?

1. Nervous tissue

2. Muscle tissue

3. Skin and connective tissue

4. Epithelial tissue

The correct answer is: Skin and connective tissue

Collagen is a vital protein found throughout the body, primarily serving as a structural support component in various tissues. It is particularly abundant in skin and connective tissues, providing strength, elasticity, and resilience. In the skin, collagen is essential for maintaining its structure and firmness, as well as for wound healing and overall skin integrity. Similarly, in connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments, collagen fibers impart tensile strength, allowing these tissues to withstand stretching and stress. While collagen is present to some degree in all types of tissues, its predominant role is in supporting the structural framework of skin and connective tissue. In comparison, nervous tissue primarily consists of neurons and glial cells, which do not rely on collagen for their primary functions. Muscle tissue has its own specific proteins for contraction, and epithelial tissue serves as a protective barrier, where collagen's role is less significant. Therefore, the correct answer recognizes the primary function of collagen in supporting skin and connective tissues.