Library · Cellular process
Fibrosis
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Fibrosis is the growth of fibrous tissue. To picture it inside the body, imagine a repair process that lays down reinforcing material in a damaged area. Myofibroblasts are cells that produce extracellular matrix, the network around cells.
The problem begins when that repair activity does not stop or becomes excessive. Material continues to build up, producing fibrosis and an internal scar.
In brief
Fibrosis is the growth of fibrous tissue in an area of the body.
During repair, cells called myofibroblasts make extracellular matrix, the network of material surrounding cells. If this activity does not switch off and continues, or if it becomes excessive, extracellular matrix keeps accumulating and fibrosis can develop. The resulting scar is produced by this excess of fibrous tissue.
Sources (2)
- National Cancer InstituteDefinition of fibrosis
- National Center for Biotechnology InformationPhysiology, Wound Healing
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated