Connective tissue disease | |
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Other names | Connective tissue disorder, collagen vascular diseases |
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Different types of connective tissue | |
Specialty | Rheumatology ![]() |
Connective tissue diseases (also termed connective tissue disorders, or collagen vascular diseases), are medical conditions that affect connective tissue. [1]
Connective tissues protect, support, and provide structure for the body's other tissues and structures. [2] They hold the body's structures together. Connective tissues consist of two distinct proteins: elastin and collagen. Tendons, ligaments, skin, cartilage, bone, and blood vessels are all made of collagen. Skin and ligaments also contain elastin. These proteins and the surrounding tissues may suffer damage when the connective tissues become inflamed. [3]
The two main categories of connective tissue diseases are (1) a set of relatively rare genetic disorders affecting the primary structure of connective tissue, and (2) a variety of acquired diseases where the connective tissues are the site of multiple, more or less distinct immunological and inflammatory reactions.
Diseases in which inflammation or weakness of collagen tends to occur are also referred to as collagen diseases. Collagen vascular diseases can be (but are not necessarily) associated with collagen and blood vessel abnormalities that are autoimmune in nature.
Some connective tissue diseases have strong or weak genetic inheritance risks. Others may be due to environmental factors, or a combination of genetic and environmental influences.
Connective tissue disease is an umbrella term for many different types of diseases. [4] Connective tissue diseases can be classified into two groups:
Hereditary connective tissue disorders are a diverse set of broad, single-gene disorders that impact one or more of the main components of connective tissues, such as ground substance (glycosaminoglycans), collagen, or elastin. Many result in anomalies of the skeleton and joints, which can substantially impair normal growth and development. In contrast to acquired connective tissue diseases, these conditions are uncommon. [1]
Acquired connective tissue diseases share certain clinical features, such as joint inflammation, inflammation of serous membranes, and vasculitis, as well as a high frequency of involvement of various internal organs that are particularly rich in connective tissue. [1]