Gelatin, which is used in food and industry, is collagen that has been irreversibly hydrolyzed. Collagen also has many medical uses in treating complications of the bones and skin.
The name collagen comes from the Greek κολλα, kolla meaning "glue" and suffix -γέν, -gen denoting "producing."[4][5] This refers to the compound's early use in the process of boiling the skin and sinews of horses and other animals to obtain glue.