Collagen hereditary link. Collagen is one of the long, fibrous structural proteins whose functions are quite different from those of globular proteins, such as enzymes. Tough bundles of collagen called "collagen fibers" are a major component of the extracellular matrix that supports most tissues and gives cells structure from the outside, but collagen is also found inside certain cells. Collagen has great tensile strength, and is the main component of fascia, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bone and skin. Along with elastin and soft keratin, it is responsible for skin strength and elasticity, and its degradation leads to wrinkles that accompany aging. It
Subepithelial connective tissue graft Subepithelial connective tissue graft In dentistry, the subepithelial connective tissue graft (SECT graft, and sometimes referred to simply as a "connective tissue (CT) graft") is an oral and maxillofacial surgical procedure first described by Alan Edel in 1974. Currently, it is generally used to obtain root coverage following gingival recession, which was a later development by Burt Langer in the early 1980s. Similar to the free gingival graft, the SECT graft can be described as a "free autogenous graft". The term "free" describes how the graft is completely removed from the donor site rather than remaining attached via a pedicle.