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In biology, the extracellular matrix (ECM), [1] [2] also called intercellular matrix (ICM), is a network consisting of extracellular macromolecules and minerals, such as collagen, enzymes, glycoproteins and hydroxyapatite that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.
Collagen (/ ˈ k ɒ l ə dʒ ə n /) is the main structural protein in the extracellular matrix of the connective tissues of many animals. It is the most abundant protein in mammals, [1] making up 25% to 35% of protein content. Amino acids are bound together to form a triple helix of elongated fibril [2] known as a collagen helix.
Ground substance is an amorphous gel-like substance in the extracellular space of animals that contains all components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) except for fibrous materials such as collagen and elastin. [1] Ground substance is active in the development, movement, and proliferation of tissues, as well as their metabolism.
The functional part of bone, the bone matrix, is entirely extracellular. The bone matrix consists of protein and mineral. The protein forms the organic matrix. It is synthesized and then the mineral is added. The vast majority of the organic matrix is collagen, which provides tensile strength. The matrix is mineralized by deposition of ...
The extracellular matrix secreted by chondroblasts is composed of fibers, collagen, hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, water, and a host of macromolecules. Within finished cartilage, collagen fibers compose 10-20% of the volume, water 65-80%, and the proteoglycan-hyaluronic acid aggregates the remaining portion.
Bone mineral is formed predominantly from carbonated hydroxyapatite [1] [2] with lower crystallinity. [1] [3] Bone mineral is formed from globular and plate structures [3] [4] distributed among the collagen fibrils of bone and forming yet a larger structure. The bone salt and collagen fibers together constitute the extracellular matrix of bone
The articular cartilage extracellular matrix has a highly specialized architecture that is zonally organized: the superficial zone consists mostly of type II collagen fibers aligned parallel to the articular surface to resist shear forces, whereas the deep zone consists of the same fibers aligned perpendicularly to the bone interface to absorb ...
The main ingredients of the extracellular matrix are glycoproteins secreted by the cells. The most abundant glycoprotein in the ECM of most animal cells is collagen, which forms strong fibers outside the cells. In fact, collagen accounts for about 40% of the total protein in the human body.