Kollagenlag

Kollagenlag is a term used in anatomy and histology to describe a layer within connective tissue that is rich in collagen fibers, often organized in one or more lamellae. In Scandinavian languages, lag translates to layer, and kollagenlag refers to the layered arrangement of collagen in the extracellular matrix that provides structural support to tissues.

Collagen, a family of proteins, forms fibrils and fibers that confer tensile strength and resilience. In a kollagenlag, fibers are typically arranged in specific orientations, which can vary by tissue. Examples include the layered structure of the dermal matrix in skin and the lamellar organization of collagen in the cornea, where orderly layers contribute to transparency and mechanical stability.

The functions of kollagenlag include bearing mechanical loads, resisting stretching, and maintaining tissue integrity. The arrangement of collagen fibers influences how a tissue deforms under stress and how it heals after injury. Fibroblasts and other cells synthesize collagen, and remodel enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases modify the lamellae over time, a process that is prominent during growth, wound healing, and aging.

Clinical relevance arises when collagen lamellae are disrupted or altered. Changes in kollagenlag can contribute to scarring, fibrosis, weakened tissue strength, or loss of function in tissues where precise collagen organization is essential. Understanding collagen lamellae is important in comparative anatomy, dermatology, ophthalmology, and tissue engineering.