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How do fibroblasts and collagen contribute to scar formation?
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A doctor examining chest X-rays of patients infected with tuberculosis, which remains one of the world's deadliest diseases.
Fibroblasts and collagen are fundamental to the body's repair process when tissue damage is too substantial for original cells to regenerate successfully. Their contribution to scar formation occurs through the following stages:1
- Granulation Tissue Formation: During the migratory phase of wound healing, fibroblasts infiltrate the injury site to initiate reconstruction. They form a loose, vascularized framework of connective tissue known as granulation tissue.21
- Collagen Synthesis: In the proliferative phase, fibroblasts produce collagen, a structural protein that provides mechanical strength to the healing tissue.21
- Remodeling and Scarring: During the late phase of healing, the production of new, stronger collagen remodels the area. Eventually, the granulation tissue is replaced by a scar consisting almost entirely of densely packed collagen fibers.213
While this process restores structural integrity, the resulting scar tissue is often less voluminous than the original tissue, which can lead to the contraction or distortion of organs.1