Final answer:
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a genetic disorder that affects collagen, leading to stretchy and fragile skin. The skin lacks enough collagen fibers, specifically type III collagen, which provides strength and elasticity. The deficiency or abnormality of collagen fibers compromises the skin's integrity and resilience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a genetic disorder that affects collagen, a protein found in the skin, tendons, and other connective tissues. There are different types of EDS, including cutaneous asthenia (dermatosparaxis), which is characterized by extremely stretchy and fragile skin. The skin in EDS patients lacks enough collagen fibers, specifically type III collagen, which is responsible for providing strength and elasticity to the skin.
Without enough collagen, the skin loses its ability to retain its normal structure and becomes excessively stretchy and prone to easy bruising and tearing. This is because collagen provides support and stability to the skin and helps it resist mechanical stress. In addition, EDS can affect other connective tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, leading to joint laxity and hypermobility.
Overall, the stretchiness and wound-prone nature of the skin in EDS are attributed to the deficiency or abnormality of collagen fibers, particularly type III collagen, which compromises the skin's integrity and resilience.