Stromalvævet

Stromalvævet, often translated as stromal tissue or stroma, refers to the supportive connective tissue of an organ or structure. It is distinct from the parenchyma, which comprises the functional tissue responsible for the organ's specific role. In essence, the stroma provides the structural framework, scaffolding, and microenvironment that allows the parenchyma to function.

The composition of stromal tissue varies greatly depending on the organ. It can include cells such as fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, and adipocytes, embedded within an extracellular matrix. This matrix is typically composed of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins. Blood vessels and nerves are also integral components of the stroma, providing nutrients and enabling communication.

Stromal cells play active roles in tissue repair, immune response, and the regulation of parenchymal cell activity. For example, fibroblasts in the stroma produce and remodel the extracellular matrix, which is crucial for wound healing. Immune cells within the stroma help defend against pathogens and clear debris. The interaction between stromal and parenchymal cells is a dynamic process that is vital for maintaining tissue homeostasis and responding to physiological changes or injury. Understanding the stroma is increasingly important in fields like cancer research, where the tumor microenvironment, including its stromal components, significantly influences tumor growth and metastasis.