What type of collagen is most commonly defective in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of connective tissue disorders characterized by hyperelastic skin, joint hypermobility, and a tendency for bruising and poor wound healing. The defects in collagen specifically relate to its structure and function, which are critical for the strength and resilience of connective tissues.

Type I collagen is primarily found in skin, tendons, and bones, providing tensile strength. Type III collagen, on the other hand, is a major component of the extracellular matrix and is particularly important in tissues that need to be flexible, such as skin, blood vessels, and hollow organs. In many forms of EDS, especially the hypermobile type and vascular type, there is a significant defect in Type III collagen due to mutations in the genes responsible for collagen synthesis.

In particular, the classic and hypermobile forms of EDS show alterations in Type III collagen, while certain types, like the vascular type, can present with serious complications due to the defective Type III collagen. When considering the most commonly defective collagens in EDS, it is accurate to say that both Type I and Type III are implicated, reflecting the diverse presentations and symptoms seen in EDS.

Therefore, selecting Types I and III correctly encompasses the primary collagens