Type IV Collagen Basement Membrane — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePhysiologyType IV Collagen Basement MembraneMFDS Part 1

In oral mucosa, which type of collagen forms the characteristic non-fibrillar, cross-linked network within the epithelial basement membrane?

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Correct answer: C — Type IV collagen

Type IV collagen is the correct answer. It is a core component of basement membranes, where its molecules self-associate and become cross-linked to form a sheet-like network rather than the banded fibrils typical of many other collagens. Type I collagen forms strong fibrils in tissues such as bone, dentine and connective-tissue stroma. Type II is characteristic of cartilage. Type III forms reticular fibres and commonly accompanies type I in compliant connective tissues. Type V is a quantitatively minor fibrillar collagen that helps regulate fibril assembly. The combination of basement-membrane location and non-fibrillar network architecture therefore identifies type IV collagen.

Reference: Lennon R, Sherwood DR. Basement membranes at a glance. Journal of Cell Science. 2025;138(17):jcs263947. Abstract and basement-membrane composition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40899477/