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Medical Encyclopedia: Collagen vascular disease

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001223.htm

Definition   

Collagen is a tough, glue-like protein that represents 30% of body protein. It shapes the structure of tendons, bones, and connective tissues. Problems with the immune system can affect these structures. This is known as collagen vascular disease.

Collagen vascular diseases include:

Update Date: 6/18/2007

Updated by: Steve Lee, DO, Rheumatology Fellow, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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