What protein substance gives skin structural support for cells and blood vessels?

Collagen is a vital protein substance in the body that provides structural support to the skin, as well as to cells and blood vessels. It constitutes a significant portion of the skin's structure, contributing to its strength, elasticity, and overall integrity. Collagen fibers create a supportive network that helps maintain the firmness and resilience of the skin, which is essential for preventing sagging and wrinkles.

In addition to its role in skin health, collagen is also crucial for the function of various tissues and helps facilitate wound healing by providing a scaffold that supports new cell growth. This function is particularly important because it allows for tissue repair and regeneration after injury.

While keratin plays a key role in forming the outer protective layer of the skin and provides strength to hair and nails, it does not offer the same structural support to blood vessels and the deeper layers of the skin. Elastin is another protein that contributes to the skin's elasticity and flexibility but does not provide the same structural integrity as collagen. Hyaluronic acid, although crucial for hydration and maintaining skin moisture, serves a different purpose and also does not directly provide structural support.