Fibroblast vs. Fibrocyte — What's the Difference?

A fibroblast is a type of biological cell that synthesizes the extracellular matrix and collagen, produces the structural framework (stroma) for animal tissues, and plays a critical role in wound healing. Fibroblasts are the most common cells of connective tissue in animals.

A fibrocyte is an inactive mesenchymal cell, that is, a cell showing minimal cytoplasm, limited amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum and lacks biochemical evidence of protein synthesis. The term fibrocyte contrasts with the term fibroblast.

A cell that gives rise to connective tissue.

An inactive connective tissue cell that is capable of forming collagen

A cell found in connective tissue that produces fibers, such as collagen.

A cell from which connective tissue develops