Collagen Collection (#3)

False-colour TEM of collagen fibres
False colour transmission electron micrograph showing fibrils of collagen, the principal component of white connective tissue

Contracted artery, TEM
Contracted elastic artery. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through an artery. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are seen in the lumen (top centre)

Ovarian follicles, light micrograph
Ovarian follicles. Coloured light micrograph of a section through an ovary (orange), showing three primary follicles (pink)

Nerve fibres, TEM
Nerve fibres. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through non- myelinated nerve fibres (blue). The fibres are arranged into bundles surrounded by the cytoplasm of Schwann

Ovarian artery, SEM
Ovarian artery. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an ovarian artery that has been freeze-fractured to show internal details

Arteriole, SEM
Arteriole. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a cross-section through a small human artery known as an arteriole. Red blood cells and some fibrin fibres are seen in the central lumen

Tendon fibres, TEM
Tendon fibres, coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM). A tendon is made up of parallel bundles of collagen fibres

Bone canals, light micrograph
Bone canals. Coloured light micrograph of a section through human compact bone, showing Haversian canals (circular regions). The concentric rings surrounding the Haversian canals are called lamellae

Osteoblasts, TEM
Osteoblasts. Coloured transmission electron micrograph of osteoblasts, bone-producing cells (pink). They contain rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER, dark pink lines), which produces

Fossilised compact bone, SEM
Fossilised compact bone. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through fossilised compact bone. This tissue is found in the dense walls of the shafts of bones

Tendon, light micrograph
Tendon. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a tendon showing the parallel collagen fibres. Connective tissue (brown) separates the bundles

Cardiac muscle, SEM
Cardiac muscle. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a bundle of cardiac muscle fibrils (green) from a healthy heart. Mitochondria (round, orange) supply the muscle cells with energy

Dog hair, SEM
Dog hair, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM).In dogs several hairs emerge from a single follicle.The collagen of the dermis has been exposed by the fracture

Whale bone sample, light micrograph

Bone tissue, light micrograph

Ageing skin, artwork
Ageing skin. Computer artwork of sections through human skin, showing its appearance as it ages (from left to right). Elastin (red) and collagen (blue) in the skins dermis (pink) break down

Wound healing, artwork
Wound healing. Artwork 2 of 4 showing wound healing. This is the proliferative phase, which occurs between 2 to 5 days after the formation of the wound

Collagen, artwork
Collagen. Computer artwork showing the structure of collagen fibres (grey). Each fibre consists of many molecules of collagen

Ivory, SEM
Ivory. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a fractured elephant tusk, which is the source of ivory. In ivory and teeth, there is an inner pulp cavity surrounded by dentine (purple)

Collagen, SEM
Collagen fibres, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Collagen, a type of connective tissue, is the main structural protein in the body

White blood cell, TEM
White blood cell. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of an eosinophil (a type of white blood cell), part of the bodys immune system

Loose connective tissue, light micrograph
Loose connective tissue. Light micrograph of loose, or areolar, connective tissue. Loose connective tissue consists mainly of collagen and elastin fibres

Tendon fibres, SEM
Tendon fibres. Coloured freeze-fracture scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of tendon fibres. These fibres are made from collagen

Snake dermis fibres, SEM
Snake dermis fibres, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The dermis is the layer of living skin below the outer epidermis and the scales of a snake

Synthetic peptide fibre, molecular model
Synthetic peptide fibre. Molecular model of a synthetic collagen-like peptide fibre, showing three different ways of representing the structure. Peptides are small molecules formed from amino acids

Collagen fibre, molecular model. Collagen is a long structural protein, which usually takes the form of a triple helix known as tropocollagen

Skin tissue, light micrograph
Skin tissue. Light micrograph of a transverse section through human skin. The skin is made up of an outer epidermis (pale purple, across top) with hair follicles (deep purple)

Heel skin tissue, light micrograph
Heel skin tissue. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through skin from the heel of a human foot. The sole of the foot has to withstand the weight of the body

Foot skin tissue, light micrograph
Foot skin tissue. Light micrograph of a transverse section through skin from a human foot. The skin is made up of an outer epidermis (across top)

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Collagen, the building block of our body's connective tissues, plays a crucial role in various biological processes. Under the scanning electron microscope (SEM), collagen fibers appear as intricate networks, resembling delicate artwork (C016 / 9873). One significant function is its involvement in the blood coagulation cascade. It forms a mesh-like structure that aids in clot formation and prevents excessive bleeding. This process can be visualized through captivating illustrations (Collagen synthesis and assembly). In tendons, collagen fibers provide strength and flexibility to support movement. SEM images reveal their organized arrangement, highlighting their importance for maintaining structural integrity. Within eye muscles, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) captures the detailed architecture fibers (C014 / 1468). These fibers contribute to the precise movements required for proper vision. Beyond these microscopic wonders lies a macroscopic world where collagen impacts bone health. In whale bone tissue captured under light micrography, we witness how this protein contributes to the strength and resilience of these majestic creatures. Illustrations depicting human bone formation showcase how collagen scaffolds serve as foundations for healthy bones' growth and development. However, when osteoporosis strikes, osteoclasts take center stage by breaking down bone tissue relentlessly. These destructive osteoclasts are contrasted with another group of cells called osteoblasts who diligently work towards building healthy bones by depositing new layers of collagen-rich matrix. Sadly though, in individuals suffering from osteoporosis or weakened bones due to aging or other factors; osteoclasts erode away more bone than is rebuilt by osteoblasts leading to fragile skeletal structures susceptible to fractures. Understanding the multifaceted roles played by collagen allows us to appreciate its significance not only on a cellular level but also within our bodies as it supports vital functions like blood clotting and maintains strong bones essential for overall well-being.