Stromal cell

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In cell biology, stromal cells are connective tissue cells of an organ found in the loose connective tissue. These are most often associated with the uterine mucosa (endometrium), prostate, bone marrow precursor cells, and the ovary as well as the hematopoietic system and elsewhere. These are the cells which make up the support structure of biological tissues and support the parenchymal cells.

Fibroblasts, immune cells, pericytes, endothelial cells and inflammatory cells are the most common types of stromal cells. The interaction between stromal cells and tumor cells is known to play a major role in cancer growth and progression.