The spelling of the word "Stromal Cell" is comprised of two syllables - "stroh-muhl" and "sel". The first syllable is pronounced with the "oh" sound, as in "ocean", and the "m" is followed by a "yuh" sound, as in "you". The second syllable is pronounced with a short "e" sound, and the "l" at the end is silent. Stromal cells are connective tissue cells that support the functional cells of an organ, and are an important component of the body's structure.
Stromal cells are a group of non-parenchymal or support cells that provide structural integrity and regulate the function of various tissues in the human body. These cells are found in connective tissue and serve to support and maintain the function of the parenchymal cells, which are the specialized cells responsible for the proper functioning of a particular organ.
Stromal cells play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration, as well as in maintaining immune responses and controlling inflammation. They are involved in the production and secretion of extracellular matrix components such as collagen and elastin, which provide structural support to tissues and organs.
Furthermore, stromal cells are known to interact with other cell types, including immune cells and epithelial cells, to regulate tissue function and homeostasis. They can produce a range of signaling molecules, growth factors, and cytokines that modulate cellular activities and influence the behavior of neighboring cells.
Stromal cells can be found in various tissues throughout the body, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, lymphoid organs, and the gastrointestinal tract. They exhibit a diverse range of phenotypes and functions, depending on their specific location within the tissue. Examples of stromal cells include fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and pericytes.
Overall, stromal cells are integral components of the tissue microenvironment and play significant roles in maintaining tissue integrity, regulating immune responses, and supporting various physiological processes.
The word "stromal" originates from the German word "strom" which means "current" or "stream". In the context of biology, the term was first used by Theodor Schwann, a German physiologist, in the mid-19th century to describe the connective tissue framework that supports and surrounds the functional cells in glands and organs. Later, this concept was expanded to include other tissues, leading to the term "stromal cell" which refers to any cell found in the supportive framework of an organ or tissue.