The complex, non-cellular extracellular matrix (ECM) composed primarily of fibrous proteins like collagen and elastin, along with ground substances such as hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans, that provides physical support, tensile strength, and organization to all tissues and organs. This scaffolding is crucial for cell adhesion, migration, and the transmission of mechanical and biochemical signals. Maintaining its integrity is paramount for tissue function and youthful form.
Origin
The term is a conceptual metaphor borrowed from engineering and construction, where a scaffolding is a temporary or permanent support structure. In biology, it refers to the permanent, intricate network of the ECM, a concept central to tissue biology and regenerative medicine. The term emphasizes the architectural and supportive role of the matrix.
Mechanism
The structural scaffolding is dynamically maintained by resident cells, such as fibroblasts in the dermis, which continuously synthesize and remodel its components. Hormones, particularly estrogen and growth hormone, are powerful regulators of fibroblast activity and the expression of key matrix proteins. Decline in these hormones leads to a reduction in the synthesis of new collagen and an increase in the degradation of existing fibers, resulting in a weakened, disorganized scaffolding structure and subsequent tissue laxity.
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