Fibroblasts
Ellen Merfeld and Allison Schollmeyer
Function
Maintains structural integrity of connective tissue by secreting proteins like collagens, glycosaminoglycans, and glycoproteins.
Organelles
Mitochondria- take in nutrients, breaks them down and creates energy for the cell
Golgi Apparatus- Modifies, sorts and packages proteins for secretion
Endoplasmic Reticulum- folds the protein molecules in sacs called cisternae and transports proteins to the Golgi Apparatus
Connective Tissue
Fibroblasts help to create connective tissue that supports, anchors and connects various parts of the body. The tissue holds all organs in place.
Skin
Dermal Fibroblasts in the skin-
- Generates connective tissue that allows the skin to recover from injury
- Produce protein molecules that comprise the extracellular matrix
- Helps cells join together on the top layer of skin