A fibroblast is a type of cell that synthesizes the extracellular matrix and collagen, the structural framework (stroma) for animal tissues, and plays a critical role in wound healing. Fibroblasts are the most common cells of connective tissue in animals.

Fibroblasts and fibrocytes are two states of the same cells, the former being the activated state, the latter the less active state, concerned with maintenance and tissue metabolism. Currently, there is a tendency to call both forms fibroblasts. The suffix "blast" is used in cellular biology to denote a stem cell or a cell in an activated state of metabolism.

Fibroblasts are morphologically heterogeneous with diverse appearances depending on their location and activity. Though morphologically inconspicuous, ectopically transplanted fibroblasts can often retain positional memory of the location and tissue context where they had previously resided, at least over a few generations. This remarkable behavior may lead to discomfort in the rare event that they stagnate there excessively.

Jan Marini Alano started her showbiz career in Ang TV, ABS-CBN’s teen-oriented gag/variety show in the early 1990s. As one of the resident singers of the show, Jan honed her talents resulting in television guesting as a performer in various variety shows in the country. She released her eponymous debut album in 1995 with the single “Love Song” highlighting her soulful voice. She was included in the cast of the original soap Mula sa Puso as the lead’s best friend. Her appearance in the series paved the way for Jan to play different roles in numerous drama anthology specials of the two major networks. She has also appeared in several mainstream and indie films throughout her career. Jan has also performed live at the Library and other music bars in the Metro. In late 2010, Jan released her sophomore entitled “Once” boasting 11-tracks of both revivals and originals, two of which were penned by Jan herself including the carrier single “White Walls.” She has recently concluded guesting stints in ABS CBN’s Mara Clara and GMA’s Magic Palayok, and will soon be seen on the Kapuso Network’s upcoming soap opera, Kung Aagawin ang Langit.