The Importance of Collagen Fibers in Vertebrate Biology

Collagen fibers form the basic structural components of extracellular matrix (ECM) of vertebrates that serve to: (1) store elastic energy during muscular deformation, (2) transmit stored energy into joint movement, and (3) transfer excess energy from the joint back to the attached muscles for dissipation. They also act as mechanotransducers by transferring stress borne by the musculoskeleton to the attached cells in order to either up - or down - regulate tissue metabolism as a result of changes in mechanical loading. Finally, they prevent premature mechanical failure of tissues by limiting deformation of most ECMs and organs.