What type of cells respond to injury by dividing to assist in connective tissue repair?

What type of cells respond to injury by dividing to assist in connective tissue repair?

• A. Adipocytes
• B. Endothelial cells
• C. Macrophages
• D. Mesenchymal cells

Answer: (D)

Mesenchymal cells are a vital component of tissue repair and regeneration following injury. These cells are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. When tissue damage occurs, mesenchymal cells migrate to the site of injury, where they proliferate and contribute to the formation of new connective tissue. Their ability to differentiate allows them to produce the extracellular matrix components necessary for repair, ultimately aiding in restoring the structural integrity of damaged tissues. In contrast, adipocytes are primarily involved in energy storage and do not play a direct role in the repair of connective tissues. Endothelial cells, while crucial for the formation of new blood vessels during the healing process, do not directly engage in the repair of connective tissue itself. Macrophages are essential for the inflammatory response and help clear debris, but they do not divide to contribute to the formation of connective tissue. Thus, mesenchymal cells are specifically the cells that are trained to respond to injury by proliferating and facilitating repair.

Mesenchymal cells are a vital component of tissue repair and regeneration following injury. These cells are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. When tissue damage occurs, mesenchymal cells migrate to the site of injury, where they proliferate and contribute to the formation of new connective tissue. Their ability to differentiate allows them to produce the extracellular matrix components necessary for repair, ultimately aiding in restoring the structural integrity of damaged tissues.

In contrast, adipocytes are primarily involved in energy storage and do not play a direct role in the repair of connective tissues. Endothelial cells, while crucial for the formation of new blood vessels during the healing process, do not directly engage in the repair of connective tissue itself. Macrophages are essential for the inflammatory response and help clear debris, but they do not divide to contribute to the formation of connective tissue. Thus, mesenchymal cells are specifically the cells that are trained to respond to injury by proliferating and facilitating repair.