Figure 3.

Multiple cell populations have been implicated as the origin of fibrous tissue–producing cells. Deposition of extracellular matrix proteins occurs, after injury, during a prolonged period. The fibrous tissue formation, characterized by excessive connective tissue, becomes detrimental, leading to the loss of tissue architecture and organ failure. Multiple cell populations have been implicated as the origin of fibrous tissue–producing cells, including pericytes, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and resident fibroblasts.