🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 22-year-old male presents with recurrent joint dislocations, remarkably stretchy skin, and a history of easy bruising. Physical examination confirms hyperelasticity of the skin and hypermobility of joints. These clinical features are most indicative of a defect in the synthesis or structure of which of the following molecules?

A Elastin
B Fibrillin
C Collagen
D Glycosaminoglycans

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

The symptoms of hyperextensible skin, joint hypermobility, and easy bruising are classic features of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, which are a group of genetic disorders primarily caused by defects in collagen synthesis or processing.

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