Elastin

Description

A yellowish fibrous mass composed of elastomeric proteins that connect tissues in the skin. Elastin allows the skin to stretch then return to its original shape. It is contained in the dermis and provides support for ligaments, blood vessels, and collagen fibers.

Other Properties

Insoluble in water, alcohol, dilute acids or alkalis. Partially digested by pepsin

Resources and Citations

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Matt Roberts, Don Etherington, Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: a Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1982

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Skin." Accessed 19 Aug. 2004 .