Fibroblasts
Fibroblasts
Fibroblasts (pronounced: /ˈfaɪbroʊˌblæsts/) are a type of biological cell that synthesizes the extracellular matrix and collagen, the structural framework (stroma) for animal tissues, and plays a critical role in wound healing. They are the most common cells of connective tissue in animals.
Etymology
The term "fibroblast" is derived from the Latin word "fibra", meaning fiber, and the Greek word "blastos", meaning germ or sprout.
Function
Fibroblasts produce tropocollagen, the forerunner of collagen, and secrete the proteins that are used in the extracellular matrix. In response to a wound, fibroblasts reach the affected area, where they proliferate and produce large amounts of collagenous matrix, aiding in the healing process.
Related Terms
- Extracellular matrix: The non-cellular component present within all tissues and organs, providing essential physical scaffolding for the cellular constituents.
- Collagen: The main structural protein in the extracellular matrix found in the body's various connective tissues.
- Tropocollagen: The precursor of collagen, it combines to form the well-known triple helix structure of collagen.
- Stroma (tissue): The part of a tissue or organ with a supportive or connective role, often containing few cells and acting as a scaffold.
- Wound healing: The process by which the skin, or any injured organ, repairs itself after injury.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fibroblasts
- Wikipedia's article - Fibroblasts
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski