Which cell is central to producing collagen fibers in connective tissue?

Which cell is central to producing collagen fibers in connective tissue?

• A. Erythrocyte
• B. Lymphocyte
• C. Fibroblast
• D. Chondrocyte

Answer: (C)

Main concept: In connective tissue, collagen fibers are produced by fibroblasts, the cells dedicated to making and organizing the extracellular matrix. Fibroblasts are highly active in protein synthesis, with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus to produce collagen precursors (procollagen) and other matrix components. They secrete these molecules into the extracellular space, where procollagen is processed into collagen fibers that bundle into fibrils and fibers, giving connective tissue its strength and resilience. Erythrocytes are red blood cells and do not generate extracellular matrix. Lymphocytes are immune cells and don’t build collagen. Chondrocytes produce cartilage matrix, which includes collagen but of a different type (primarily type II) and arranged for cartilage rather than the typical connective tissue fibers like in dermis or tendons. Because fibroblasts are the primary source and organizer of collagen fibers in most connective tissues, they are the central cell for this function.

Main concept: In connective tissue, collagen fibers are produced by fibroblasts, the cells dedicated to making and organizing the extracellular matrix.

Fibroblasts are highly active in protein synthesis, with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus to produce collagen precursors (procollagen) and other matrix components. They secrete these molecules into the extracellular space, where procollagen is processed into collagen fibers that bundle into fibrils and fibers, giving connective tissue its strength and resilience. Erythrocytes are red blood cells and do not generate extracellular matrix. Lymphocytes are immune cells and don’t build collagen. Chondrocytes produce cartilage matrix, which includes collagen but of a different type (primarily type II) and arranged for cartilage rather than the typical connective tissue fibers like in dermis or tendons. Because fibroblasts are the primary source and organizer of collagen fibers in most connective tissues, they are the central cell for this function.