Which dermal cell type is primarily involved in wound healing by producing extracellular matrix?

• A. Mast Cells
• B. Fibroblast Cells
• C. Leucocytes
• D. Histiocytes

Answer: (B)

In wound healing, the rebuild of the dermal structure relies mainly on fibroblast cells because they are the ones that actively synthesize the extracellular matrix. These cells migrate into the wound bed and produce collagen and other matrix components like elastin, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins, creating a scaffold that supports new tissue and eventual strength. They can also transform into myofibroblasts to pull the wound edges together, aiding contraction, with their activity driven by growth factors such as TGF-β.

Mast cells mainly release mediators like histamine that drive inflammation and later remodeling, but they don’t primarily build the matrix. Leucocytes, including neutrophils and macrophages, are essential for cleaning debris and fighting infection rather than producing the extracellular framework. Histiocytes are tissue macrophages involved in cleanup and immune functions, not the main producers of the extracellular matrix.