Which cell type is spindle-shaped and stellate, commonly found producing extracellular matrix in connective tissue?

Which cell type is spindle-shaped and stellate, commonly found producing extracellular matrix in connective tissue?

• A. Fibroblast
• B. Osteoblast
• C. Chondrocyte
• D. Adipocyte

Answer: (A)

Fibroblasts are the main cells that produce the extracellular matrix in connective tissue. They have a spindle-shaped (fusiform) body with branched, stellate-like processes, which helps them lay down collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans that form the supportive framework of tissues. This ECM production is what gives connective tissue its strength and resilience. Osteoblasts form bone and typically appear cuboidal rather than spindle-shaped; chondrocytes reside in cartilage within lacunae and look more rounded; adipocytes are large fat-storing cells with a prominent lipid droplet and don’t specialize in ECM production like fibroblasts.

Fibroblasts are the main cells that produce the extracellular matrix in connective tissue. They have a spindle-shaped (fusiform) body with branched, stellate-like processes, which helps them lay down collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans that form the supportive framework of tissues. This ECM production is what gives connective tissue its strength and resilience.

Osteoblasts form bone and typically appear cuboidal rather than spindle-shaped; chondrocytes reside in cartilage within lacunae and look more rounded; adipocytes are large fat-storing cells with a prominent lipid droplet and don’t specialize in ECM production like fibroblasts.