RESIDENT CELLS OF THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE – FIBROBLAST AND FIBROCYTE – 4
The images of fibroblasts observed in the previous figures are of cells in secretory activity. In some cases, as seen in the on the previous page, their cytoplasm is basophilic, indicating the presence of a large amount of RNA in the cytoplasm.
Quiescent or resting fibroblasts have thin nuclei, dense chromatin (very darkly stained) and their ends are often pointed, unlike active fibroblasts, that have rounded ends. These cells are called fibrocytes. When required, they may return to their secretory activity again, becoming recognized as fibroblasts.
In this image, you can see a fibroblast and a fibrocyte. Compare them, especially their nuclei, since they are the always visible component:
Fibroblast: looser chromatin, less stained with hematoxylin, rounded ends of the nucleus.
Fibrocyte: thinner nucleus, with dense chromatin, more stained, sharp ends of the nucleus.
Some collagen fibers become highlighted in yellow.
Quiescent or resting fibroblasts have thin nuclei, dense chromatin (very darkly stained) and their ends are often pointed, unlike active fibroblasts, that have rounded ends. These cells are called fibrocytes. When required, they may return to their secretory activity again, becoming recognized as fibroblasts.
In this image, you can see a fibroblast and a fibrocyte. Compare them, especially their nuclei, since they are the always visible component:
Fibroblast: looser chromatin, less stained with hematoxylin, rounded ends of the nucleus.
Fibrocyte: thinner nucleus, with dense chromatin, more stained, sharp ends of the nucleus.
Some collagen fibers become highlighted in yellow.
