New Tissue Formation: Collagen
Cross-linking
Part of the process of collagen maturation includes developing
cross-links between peptide chains or between collagen molecules. It
is the cross links that gives collagen and the scar strength. Also
during the maturation process, collagenase breaks down
inappropriately oriented collagen molecules. The result is that the
new collagen, initially laid down in a chaotic, disorganized way,
becomes oriented along the lines of contour stress in a manner
similar to the way nature intended and nontraumatized collagen
appears.
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