RESIDENT CELLS OF THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE – FIBROBLAST AND FIBROCYTE – 4
Fibrocyte is the name given to quiescent or resting fibroblasts. When needed, they can become active again and resume their secretory activity, functioning as fibroblasts.
Fibrocytes can often be distinguished in histological sections by their thin, strongly stained nuclei, which contain densely packed chromatin. In contrast, active fibroblasts usually have larger, less strongly stained nuclei because their chromatin is more loosely organized.
Fibrocytes can often be distinguished in histological sections by their thin, strongly stained nuclei, which contain densely packed chromatin. In contrast, active fibroblasts usually have larger, less strongly stained nuclei because their chromatin is more loosely organized.
In this image, you can identify one fibroblast (at the right) and one fibrocyte (at the left). Compare their nuclei carefully, as the nuclei are usually the most easily recognized part of these cells:
Fibroblast: its nucleus is relatively large and less intensely stained by hematoxylin. The chromatin is more loosely organized, allowing some of its components to be distinguished.
Fibrocyte: its nucleus is thinner and more intensely stained because it contains densely packed chromatin. Its ends are also somewhat more pointed than those of the fibroblast nucleus.
When you move the cursor over the image or click on it, the nuclei are highlighted in gray and a few collagen fibers are highlighted in yellow.
