Which statement describes the role of fibroblasts in tissue repair?

Which statement describes the role of fibroblasts in tissue repair?

• A. They form collagen to rebuild the extracellular matrix
• B. They fight infection
• C. They transport oxygen
• D. They initiate clotting

Answer: (A)

Fibroblasts are the cells that produce collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix during tissue repair. When tissue is damaged, they migrate into the wound, proliferate, and secrete collagen types I and III along with proteoglycans and fibronectin. This creates a scaffold that provides structural support for new tissue and helps restore strength. They can also transform into myofibroblasts to help contract and close the wound. In contrast, fighting infection is the job of immune cells, transporting oxygen is the function of red blood cells, and initiating clotting is done by platelets and the coagulation cascade. So forming collagen to rebuild the extracellular matrix best describes the fibroblasts’ role.

Fibroblasts are the cells that produce collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix during tissue repair. When tissue is damaged, they migrate into the wound, proliferate, and secrete collagen types I and III along with proteoglycans and fibronectin. This creates a scaffold that provides structural support for new tissue and helps restore strength. They can also transform into myofibroblasts to help contract and close the wound. In contrast, fighting infection is the job of immune cells, transporting oxygen is the function of red blood cells, and initiating clotting is done by platelets and the coagulation cascade. So forming collagen to rebuild the extracellular matrix best describes the fibroblasts’ role.