What's Fibroblast?

A fibroblast is the most common type of cell found in connective tissue. 

Fibroblasts secrete collagen proteins that are used to maintain a structural framework for many tissues. They also play an important role in healing wounds.

A fibroblast is a specific type of connective tissue cell that is found in skin and tendons and other tough tissues in the body. It secretes collagen. In genetics research, it's particularly important because it is a type of cell that is isolatable from people because it is a skin cell, and it can be grown in a laboratory and therefore examined for genotypes and some phenotypes particularly associated with diseases. Christopher P. Austin, M.D.

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Function

Fibroblasts make collagen fibres, glycosaminoglycans, reticular and elastic fibers. Growing individuals' fibroblasts are dividing and are synthesizing ground substance. Tissue damage stimulates fibrocytes and induces the production of fibroblasts.

The flat, elongated cells vary in shape from stellate (young) to fusiform and spindle shaped, with cytoplasmic processes present in connective tissue. 

With their ability to liberate growth factors, lay down fibroelastic matrices, and proliferate at sites of inflammation, fibroblasts play critical roles in wound healing, tissue repair, and remodeling.