Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which components are necessary for the construction of the extracellular matrix?

1. Vitamins, electrolytes, and essential fatty acids

2. Protein, calories, ascorbic acid, zinc, iron, copper, O2

3. Hydration, vitamins A and E, and protein

4. Only collagen and vitamin C

The correct answer is: Protein, calories, ascorbic acid, zinc, iron, copper, O2

The components necessary for the construction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) include a variety of nutrients that play essential roles in cellular function, structure, and overall health. The correct answer highlights the key components that are critical for the synthesis of the ECM. Protein is the primary structural component of the ECM, as it provides the scaffolding necessary for tissue architecture. In particular, collagen is the most abundant protein in the ECM and is vital for providing strength and support to various tissues. Calories are also important because they provide the energy required for the metabolism of cells, including those involved in ECM synthesis. Without adequate caloric intake, cellular processes, including the production of ECM proteins, may be inefficient or halted. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is essential for collagen synthesis, as it acts as a co-factor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase, enzymes involved in stabilizing the collagen triple helix. Zinc is involved in numerous enzymatic reactions and is vital for cellular proliferation and function. Iron plays a role in various metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, and copper is necessary for the cross-linking of collagen fibers, which contributes to the structural integrity of the ECM. Oxygen is critical for aerobic metabolism and the energy production required for cellular