what are fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are a type of cell that contributes to the formation of connective tissue, a fibrous cellular material that supports and connects other tissues or organs in the body. They are the most common cell type represented in connective tissue and produce a diverse group of products including collagen type I, III, and IV, proteoglycans, fibronectin, laminins, glycosaminoglycans, metalloproteinases, and even prostaglandins. Fibroblasts secrete collagen proteins that help maintain the structural framework of tissues and play an important role in healing wounds. They are elongated, disc-like structures that are not readily visible upon standard light microscopy evaluation, and their nucleus is usually the only visible part. Fibroblasts can be obtained from a person through a simple skin biopsy and can be grown in the laboratory for use in genetic and other scientific studies of that individual.