GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A fibroblast is 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. Fibroblasts secrete collagen proteins that help maintain the structural framework of tissues.

Detailed explanation-2: -The lamina propria, which supports the epithelium, is a layer of reticular connective tissue with elastin, reticulin, and collagen fibers, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophilic granulocytes, as well as lymphatics and capillaries.

Detailed explanation-3: -Fibroblasts seem to be the least specialized cells in the connective-tissue family. They are dispersed in connective tissue throughout the body, where they secrete a nonrigid extracellular matrix that is rich in type I and/or type III collagen, as discussed in Chapter 19.

Detailed explanation-4: -Fibroblasts are large, flat, elongated (spindle-shaped) cells possessing processes extending out from the ends of the cell body. The cell nucleus is flat and oval.