A wide variety of tissues make up the body. Connective tissue refers to fibers that add structure to cells. Muscles are a form of tissue that allows for body movement. Soft tissues cover the body, while nervous system tissues cover the nerves,...
Ligaments are tough fibrous bands of tissue that connect one bone to another, and often cover a joint. Ligaments give structure and help define joint function, and help keep bones in close proximity during movement. Ligaments can be easily damaged...
The skin, the largest organ in the body, protects the internal organs, prevents water loss, controls body temperature and provides sensory input. Skin contains three distinct layers. The outer layer, known as the epidermis, consists of three main...
The Mayo Clinic characterizes thin, fragile skin as skin that easily tears or breaks. It's a common problem in older adults. As you advance in years, the layers of your skin simply thin and become more fragile. However, there are a number of other...
The femur, tibia, fibula and patella comprise the knee bones. According to the University of Texas Medical Branch website, the knee provides flexible mobility during which it bears considerable weight. A number of injuries may occur to the knee,...
The genes, medically known as your DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in your body, play a large role in producing certain substances that are necessary in maintaining normal functions. Genes also help determine your unique physical and personality...
The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It begins in the chest, where it is referred to as the thoracic aorta, and extends to the abdomen, where it is referred to as the abdominal aorta. An abdominal aortic aneurysm, also referred to...
Although it is not unusual for men to have stretch marks due to genetics or rapid muscle gain, stretch marks can also be indicative of a larger health problem. Certain diseases and medications cause stretch marks that cannot be avoided. Stretch...
Thin skin causes the surface of the skin to be fragile. When a person has thin skin, she is more likely to experience tears and bruises when she bumps up against something. Thin skin is typically not a sign of a serious medical condition,...
Collagen is a protein that plays an important role in the development of bone. It is also a major component of connective tissue and tendons. Collagen is a flexible and stretchy protein that is used by the body to support tissues. Disorders of...
Weak elasticity and thinness are two distinct conditions that can affect your skin. Weak elasticity is frequently a symptom of moderate or severe dehydration, while potential causes of thin skin include advancing age and excessive exposure to...
Defects in brain vessels, notably arteries, include hardening by atherosclerotic plaque, which narrows carotid arteries and can cause stroke; formation of berry aneurysms, which can rupture causing subarachnoid hemorrhage; deposition of amyloid in...
Hypermobility is the condition in which your joint over-extends beyond the normal limits. This can be the result of a traumatic event or a global syndrome that affects all of your joints. The treatment is similar in all cases and physical therapy...
Enzymes are structures composed of protein chains that help to catalyze chemical reactions within your body. Many different types of enzymes are responsible for specific functions, and they are found in different areas of the body. In regards to...
Stretch marks happen because of a rapid increase in the size of the skin due to pulling and stretching. They are common among pregnant women, bodybuilders, adolescents, overweight individuals and people with Cushing syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos...
Proteins contribute to many functions in the body. Proteins are synthesized by cells and used to support them, the surrounding cells or the rest of the body. Collagen is a particular protein that is a component of connective tissue, which serves...
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body found in fibrous tissues and connective tissue. Collagen-related diseases can arise from genetic malformations and disruptions in collagen production. The "Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences"...
Did you ever have a friend that could bend his thumb all the way back to his wrist or can you do it yourself? If so, you've witnessed at least one effect of being "double jointed." The term double jointed describes a condition known as...
Inherited skin disorders are those that are passed down from generation to generation through familial genes. Some of these disorders cause symptoms that are limited to the skin, can be effectively managed and do not otherwise affect health;...
Stretch marks happen because of a rapid increase in the size of the skin due to pulling and stretching. They are common among pregnant women, bodybuilders, adolescents, overweight individuals and people with Cushing syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos...
Stretch marks may make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed. There are no easy treatments to rid the skin of these marks. Often they will fade and will be less noticeable. If your stretch marks are severe, you may decide to seek treatment. A...
Though your skin may have a natural elasticity, it's quite possible for it to distend beyond its normal capacity, which can cause the formation of stretch marks. Often referred to as striae, this form of scarring is characterized by pinkish to...
Skin, made up of three layers, covers and protects your child's body. Thin skin causes these protective layers to be more fragile. Children with thin skin might get cuts or bruises just by bumping into something. They should be evaluated by a...
Collagen is an essential protein in the body, and helps your organs, skin, tendons, cartilage and ligaments maintain their strength and elasticity. As we age, the collagen in our skin can become weakened, causing damage, such as wrinkles or thin...
Connective tissue disorders and injuries such as ligament sprains can lead to hypermobility, also referred to as joint laxity or instability and "double-jointed." Strength and balance exercises might help manage hypermobility, improving joint...
Brain aneurysms occur when a blood vessel wall is weakened and balloons out. These weakened blood vessel wall regions can rupture, causing blood to leak into the surrounding brain area and may result in brain damage or death. Brain aneurysms are...
Weak or compromised valves in your veins can result in the back-flow and build up of blood, causing veins to bulge and become varicosed. This is often seen in veins in the thighs and legs. Factors that increase your risk of developing varicose...
Flexibility is your joints' ability to move freely through a wide range of motions. Most children are naturally more flexible than adults since joints often tighten up with age. Flexibility issues can occur when a child's joints are too loose or...
Collagen protein is part of the connective tissue of the body, helping to support various tissues and organs. As such, it forms part of the bones, cartilage and skin. There are many types of collagen, and they form various structures and perform...
