Vetinerary Assistant Practice Exam

What characterizes collagen fibers?

1. Weak and flexible

2. Strong and predominant

3. Thin and fragile

4. Elastic and pliable

The correct answer is: Strong and predominant

Collagen fibers are primarily characterized by their strength and predominance in various connective tissues throughout the body. These fibers are composed of the protein collagen, which is synthesized by fibroblasts and has a unique triple-helix structure that contributes to its tensile strength. This makes collagen fibers essential for providing structural support to tissues such as skin, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Their strong and predominant nature means they are integral to maintaining the integrity of these tissues, allowing them to withstand stretching and other mechanical forces without easily breaking. This characteristic is crucial for the proper functioning of many bodily structures, as they help to resist tensile forces and preserve the shape and elasticity of the tissues. In contrast, the other options describe properties that do not align with the primary characteristics of collagen fibers. For example, being weak or fragile does not pertain to collagen, as they are one of the strongest fibers found in the body. Describing them as thin does not accurately reflect their structure or function, since collagen fibers can vary in thickness but are typically robust. Lastly, while collagen fibers have some degree of pliability, they are not primarily known for being elastic like elastic fibers are, as their main role is structural rather than elastic.