A biopsy of a tendon shows parallel bundles of type I collagen with fibroblasts arranged in rows between the collagen bundles. These specialized fibroblasts are called:
- A Chondroblasts
- B Myofibroblasts
- C Tenocytes (tendinocytes) ✓
- D Fibrocytes
Correct answer: C. Tenocytes (tendinocytes)
Explanation
Tendons are composed predominantly of tightly packed, parallel bundles of type I collagen (about 85% dry weight). The fibroblasts within tendons are specialised cells called tenocytes (tendinocytes), which lie in rows between collagen bundles. They have a characteristic elongated nucleus in light microscopy and are the primary cells maintaining the extracellular matrix. Myofibroblasts contain actin filaments for contraction (important in wound healing and Dupuytren's contracture but not in normal tendon). Chondroblasts produce cartilaginous matrix.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.