Tendons have a ___ level of organization and are comprised of collagen ___.

Tendons display a high level of organization in their structural makeup. This organization is evident in their hierarchical arrangement, which includes collagen fibers bundled together into fascicles, surrounded by a protective sheath known as the epitenon. This intricate structure allows tendons to withstand tensile forces effectively, making them crucial for the connection between muscles and bones.

Furthermore, tendons are predominantly composed of Type I collagen. Type I collagen provides tensile strength and is the most abundant form found in connective tissues, particularly in structures such as tendons and ligaments. This specificity in composition contributes to the mechanical properties necessary for tendons to function properly under physiological loads.

Understanding this high level of organization and the predominant role of Type I collagen is critical in the field of tissue engineering, as it influences how engineered tendons can be designed to mimic natural tendon characteristics and performance.