The spelling of "fibroblast" is derived from its Greek origins. The word is composed of two parts: "fibro" meaning fiber, and "blast" meaning budding or sprouting. The correct IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /faɪ.brəʊ.blæst/. The first syllable "fi" is pronounced as "faɪ", the "o" in "blasto" is pronounced as "əʊ" and the "a" in "blast" is pronounced as "æ". Understanding the IPA phonetic transcription can help in correctly pronouncing and spelling out words in medical terminology.
A fibroblast is a type of connective tissue cell that is responsible for the synthesis and production of extracellular matrix proteins, primarily collagen, which are vital for the maintenance and repair of tissues in the body. Fibroblasts are widely distributed throughout the body and are involved in various physiological processes.
These cells play a crucial role in wound healing, as they migrate to the site of injury and are responsible for the formation of scar tissue. Fibroblasts are also involved in regulating tissue structure and function by producing and maintaining the intricate network of proteins and fibers that make up the extracellular matrix.
Furthermore, fibroblasts have been found to have important functions in the immune system, as they can produce and secrete molecules that participate in the inflammatory response. They are also involved in tissue remodeling, as they can break down old tissue and replace it with new tissue.
The structure of fibroblasts consists of elongated, spindle-shaped cells with various branching processes, allowing them to be highly motile. They have a prominent nucleus and well-developed endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and other organelles involved in protein synthesis and secretion.
Overall, fibroblasts are integral to the maintenance and repair of tissues in the body and play a crucial role in various physiological processes, making them essential for proper functionality and healing.
A cell, produced by proliferation of the fixed connective tissue elements, concerned in the formation of new fibrous tissue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "fibroblast" consists of two components: "fibro" and "blast".
- "Fibro" comes from the Latin word "fibra", meaning "fiber". This term is used to refer to the fibrous connective tissue found in various parts of the body, such as tendons, ligaments, and skin.
- "Blast" is derived from the Greek word "blastos", meaning "germ" or "bud". In the context of cell biology, "blast" refers to undifferentiated or immature cells that have the potential to develop into a specific type of cell.
Therefore, the word "fibroblast" combines these elements to describe a cell in connective tissue that is responsible for producing fibers and has the potential to develop into other types of cells within this tissue.