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HistologyTypes of tissuesConnective tissueMesenchymal cells
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HistologyTypes of tissuesConnective tissueMesenchymal cells

Mesenchymal cells

Author: Gordana Sendić, MD •
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Loose connective tissue [10:11]
Structure and cellular components of loose connective tissue.
Mesenchymal cells
1/2
Synonyms: none

Mesenchymal cells are small spindle-shaped cells with large nuclei, prominent nucleoli and fine chromatin. These are multipotent stem cells that differentiate as progenitor cells for all types of connective tissue, such as fibroblasts, osteoblasts, chondroblasts and preadipocytes.

Mesenchymal cells produce an extracellular matrix (ECM) that consists mainly of a simple ground substance rich in hyaluronic acid. The mesenchymal cells, together with their ECM, compose the mesenchyme, a type of embryonic connective tissue that gives rise to all other connective tissues of the body during early development.

In adults, mesenchymal cells are present in small quantities as part of loose connective tissue mainly in the umbilical cord, bone marrow and adipose tissue. Adult mesenchymal stem cells serve to give rise to fibroblasts and new blood vessels.

Terminology English: Mesenchymal cells
Synonyms: Mesenchymal stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells
Definition Multipotent stem cells that differentiate as progenitor cells for all types of connective tissue
Origin Mesoderm
Differentiation Embryo: Fibroblasts, chondroblasts, osteoblasts, preadipocytes, myoblasts
Adult: Fibroblasts, blood vessels

Learn more about the loose connective tissue with the study unit below:

Loose connective tissue Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

Mescher, A. L. (2013). Junquiera’s Basic Histology (13th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

V. Eroschenko, M. di Fiore: DiFiore’s Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations, 12th edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (2013)

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