How Do Fibroblasts Support Tissue Repair and Healing?
In the animal body, four basic types of cells are epithelial tissue, nervous tissue, muscle tissue, and connective tissue. Connective tissue mainly supports and provides structure to other organs and tissues of the body. Connective tissue consists of fibres, cells, and gel-like substances. One of the most important components of connective tissue is the fibroblast. It is the sale that is found in connective tissue in a maximum number. It is the workhouse of connective tissue which helps to hold the animal body together. These cells are flat, large, and spindle-shaped. Fibroblasts synthesize collagen and the extracellular matrix. They produce the main framework of animal tissue.
In this article, we will discuss fibroblast meaning, fibroblast function, fibroblast structure, fibroblast location, fibroblast growth factor, types of fibroblast, fibroblast diagram in detail.
Origin of Fibroblast
Before knowing the structure, function, and other things, you should know where fibroblasts originate from. It is one of the most important cells of connective tissue. It originates from primitive mesenchyme. It displays the filament protein vimentin. The filament protein vimentin marks the origin of mesoderm. Also, fibroblasts may be produced from epithelial cells through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process.
Fibroblast Structure
Among all the components of connective tissue, fibroblasts are found maximum in number. You should know the structure of this important cell. It has a speckled nucleus with two or more nuclei. A branched cytoplasm surrounds the nucleus, following an elliptical path. Active fibroblast cells have abundant rough ER (endoplasmic reticulum). The inactive cells are called fibroblasts, which are smaller and spindle-shaped. These inactive cells have a smaller amount of rough ER. Generally, fibroblasts are scattered and disappointed. When they have to cover a large area, they line locally in parallel clusters. Though they contribute to basal lamina components sometimes, they are not restricted by a polarizing attachment to a basal lamina on one side. Sometimes, these cells are found in the plasma state, which is called plasma fibroblast. Generally, the lifespan of fibroblasts is 54 to 60 days.
Fibroblast Function
Fibroblast is a crucial component of connective tissue. The main function of fibroblast cells is to create collagen fibres, elastic and reticular fibres, glycosaminoglycans, extracellular matrix, etc. Another vital fibroblast function is to provide a structural framework to the animal tissue. Apart from these commonly known roles, the other functions are inflammation, tumour mediation, secondary actions, host immune response, etc. In the presence of invading microorganisms, these cells initiate inflammation. The tumour-associated host fibroblasts (TAF) proceed with immune regulation through the TAF-derived extracellular matrix (ECM). It has a critical role in the immune response to tissue injury. Also, different fibroblasts from different anatomical positions express many genes that are responsible for coding for immune response and proteins.
Clinical Applications of Fibroblast
The main clinical application of fibroblast is cell therapy. Cell therapy with autologous dermal fibroblasts is highly effective for patients. Also, it is used in injecting to treat various types of wrinkles, ulcers, acne scars, and surgical wounds.
Fibroblast Growth Factor
A family of cell signalling proteins produced by macrophages is a fibroblast growth factor. It is one of the most important elements for normal development in animal cells. It is involved in a wide variety of processes. These growth factors act as locally circulating molecules of extracellular origin, activating cell surface receptors. Different growth factors have different structures. These growth factors are multifunctional proteins with a wide variety of effects. Though they are mainly mitogens, they have endocrine, regulatory, and morphological effects. The growth factors have multiple actions on multiple cell types. Based on these multiple actions, they are referred to as pluripotent and promiscuous growth factors.
Did You Know?
Fibroblast is a crucial component of connective tissue that produces collagen, extracellular matrix, and other essential fibres.
Fibroblast has a speckled nucleus with two or more nuclei. A branched cytoplasm surrounds the nucleus, following an elliptical path.
Active fibroblast cells have abundant rough ER and inactive fibroblast cells have a smaller amount of rough ER.
Fibroblast location is connective tissue.
There are different types of fibroblasts based on their functions and anatomical positions.
FAQs on Fibroblast: Structure, Functions, and Role in Biology
1. What are fibroblasts and where are they found in the body?
A fibroblast is the most common type of cell found in connective tissue. Its primary role is to synthesize the extracellular matrix (ECM) and collagen, which form the structural framework for animal tissues. Fibroblasts are found throughout the body in virtually all organs, particularly in areas like the skin (dermis), tendons, ligaments, and bone marrow.
2. What are the primary functions of fibroblasts as per the Class 11 syllabus?
As per the Class 11 Biology syllabus, the primary functions of fibroblasts are central to understanding connective tissues. Their main roles include:
- Secretion of Fibres: They produce and secrete structural proteins like collagen and elastin, which provide strength and flexibility to tissues.
- Matrix Synthesis: They create the gel-like ground substance of the extracellular matrix, which supports and binds cells.
- Structural Support: By creating these components, fibroblasts are essential for maintaining the structural integrity and framework of tissues and organs.
- Wound Repair: They play a critical role in healing by producing new connective tissue to repair damage.
3. Describe the typical structure of a fibroblast cell.
A typical fibroblast has a large, flat, and elongated (spindle-like) shape with branching cytoplasmic processes. Its most prominent features include a large, ovoid nucleus and an extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. This abundance of organelles for protein synthesis is a key structural indicator of its primary function: producing and secreting matrix proteins like collagen.
4. How do fibroblasts contribute to the process of wound healing?
Fibroblasts are fundamental to wound healing. When tissue is injured, resting fibroblasts (fibrocytes) are activated. They migrate to the wound site and begin to proliferate rapidly. These activated fibroblasts then deposit a new extracellular matrix, rich in collagen fibres, to form granulation tissue. This new tissue fills the wound, providing a scaffold for new blood vessels and skin cells to grow, eventually maturing into a scar.
5. What is the difference between a fibroblast and a fibrocyte?
The key difference lies in their metabolic activity. A fibroblast is the activated, metabolically robust state of the cell, actively synthesizing and secreting components of the extracellular matrix. In contrast, a fibrocyte is the quiescent or inactive state. It is smaller, spindle-shaped, and less active. However, a fibrocyte can be stimulated by tissue injury to revert to the active fibroblast state to initiate repair.
6. What happens in the body if fibroblasts do not function correctly?
Improper fibroblast function can lead to serious health issues. If fibroblasts are underactive, it can result in poor wound healing and weak tissue integrity. Conversely, if they are overactive, they can cause conditions known as fibrosis. This is where excessive collagen and scar tissue are deposited in an organ, impairing its function. Examples include pulmonary fibrosis (in the lungs), cirrhosis (in the liver), and keloid scars on the skin.
7. Are Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) a product of fibroblasts?
This is a common point of confusion. No, Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) are not typically produced by fibroblasts. They are a family of cell-signalling proteins produced by other cells, such as macrophages and endothelial cells. They are named FGFs because they were first discovered to have a strong stimulating effect on the growth and proliferation of fibroblasts. Therefore, they act on fibroblasts rather than being made by them.
