American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Type 4 collagen is primarily associated with the basement membrane, a thin, fibrous layer that serves as a supportive structure for various tissues and separates them from the underlying connective tissue. The basement membrane plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue integrity, providing a scaffold for cells, and facilitating cell signaling and filtration processes. Type 4 collagen is unique in its structure and composition, differing from other forms of collagen that are found in tissues such as articular cartilage, blood vessels, or skin dermis. While other collagens provide tensile strength and structural support in these tissues, type 4 collagen's organization into a mesh-like network is specifically adapted to the specialized requirements of the basement membrane, aiding in functions like selective permeability and filtration, particularly in the kidneys and in maintaining the structure of epithelial cells. This distinct association underscores the functional significance of type 4 collagen in preserving the health and integrity of various tissues in the body.