VTCT Level 3 Award in Anatomical and Physiological Knowledge Practice Test

Collagen and elastin are key proteins predominantly found in connective tissue, which serves as a support structure throughout the body. Collagen provides strength and support, making it crucial for maintaining the integrity of tissues and organs, while elastin allows for flexibility and resilience, enabling tissues to return to their original shape after stretching. This combination of properties helps connective tissues to function effectively in various roles, such as connecting muscles to bones, supporting the skin, and forming ligaments and tendons.

Epithelial tissue primarily consists of cell layers that line surfaces and cavities, providing protection and facilitating absorption and secretion, which does not require the structural proteins found in connective tissue. Nervous tissue is specialized for signaling and communication through neurons and glial cells, lacking the structural support role that collagen and elastin play. Muscle tissue is composed mainly of muscle fibers that contract to enable movement, therefore it does not contain significant amounts of these connective proteins necessary for support and elasticity. Thus, the presence of collagen and elastin firmly associates them with connective tissue.