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

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Prepare for the ABS QE with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Start your journey to becoming a certified surgeon and tackle your exam with confidence!

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Which type of collagen is widespread in the body and also found in the cornea?

  1. Type 1 collagen

  2. Type 3 collagen

  3. Type 5 collagen

  4. Type 4 collagen

The correct answer is: Type 5 collagen

Type 5 collagen is significant because it plays a crucial role in the structure and organization of various tissues in the body, including the cornea. It is commonly found in fetal tissues, hair, and the placenta, in addition to being present in small amounts in many other connective tissues. In the cornea specifically, type 5 collagen is important for maintaining the integrity and clarity of this tissue, contributing to the arrangement of other collagen types, such as type 1, which dominates the cornea. The presence of type 5 collagen alongside type 1 is essential for collagen fibrillogenesis and helps regulate the diameter of collagen fibrils, thereby influencing the mechanical properties of the tissues. While other types of collagen are indeed present throughout the body and in the cornea, type 5 collagen's unique role in the corneal structure highlights its importance.