Fibroblast in ulcerated scleral stroma

Transmission electron micrograph showing a fibroblast in the deep scleral collagenous stroma in the region of a late stage ulcer caused by necrotising scleritis. The cell shows a long nucleus and extensive Golgi apparatus. It appears to be involved in matrix remodelling. The collagen fibrils in this area do normally show a variety of diameters but the stellate appearance of the fibrils in transverse section seen here is abnormal. There are also regions where the fibril matrix has been completely lost. This field is approximately 11 microns across.