Dermal fibroblast of the skin. Dermal fibroblasts are derived from mesenchymal stem cells within the body. Like corneal fibroblasts, dermal fibroblast proliferation can be stimulated by the presence of fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Fibroblasts do not appear to be fully differentiated or specialized. After examining the CD markers of the fibroblast cells, researchers at BioMed Central discovered that these cell lack "distinctive markers" confirming that these cells can be further differentiated. One example of further differentiation of dermal fibroblasts is that upon injury, dermal fibroblasts can give rise to myofibroblasts, fibroblast cells with smooth muscle characteristics. Dermal cells differentiate into myofibroblasts by
Congenital dermal sinus skin to the spinal cord lined with stratified squamous epithelium, surrounded by dermal and neurological tissue. The tract may terminate in the deep fascia, or even make contact with neural elements. Congenital dermal sinus may form at any point along the midline of the neuraxis, however, the majority form in the lumbar and lumbosacral region (41% and 35% of cases respectively). Congenital dermal sinus is often diagnosed in infants and children. Early diagnosis is important in congenital dermal sinus, so that treatment can be provided early, to prevent progression of associated complications. There three key hallmarks of congenital dermal sinus: