The stroma is a support structure made of connective tissue that holds organs in place and provides protection. It doesn’t add to organ function, but helps it function efficiently. Abnormal stromal cells can develop into tumors, and weakening of the structure can endanger organs. Medical technology can treat weakened stroma.
The stroma is the structure that supports an internal organ. In most cases, this type of support mesh is made up of connective tissue that helps keep the organ in place, as well as providing a degree of protection. While closely associated with the organ, the stroma is not the same as the parenchyma, which is made up of the main functional elements of the organ proper.
The main function of the stroma is to serve as a support and connecting network for cells and the organs composed of those cells. While it doesn’t actually add to the function of the organ, the supporting tissue does in fact help make it easier for the organ to function at peak efficiency. This is because the stroma holds the organ in place, relieving the stress that would inhibit the organ’s function if the support structure weren’t in place.
Many different forms of animal organs and tissues are based on this type of structure. Both the iris and the cornea of the eye are supported by the stroma. In females, the ovaries are held in place and protected to some extent by the surrounding support structure. Likewise, the thyroid is supported by the presence of the connective tissue network. There is also the stroma involved in the protection and maintenance of the bone marrow.
As with any type of tissue, this connective network can become infected with abnormal cells. When this happens, the stromal cells can develop into a tumor. As with all cancers, the abnormal stromal cells can develop into a benign mass that may disappear over time or require surgery to remove. Those same abnormal cells can develop into a malignant tumor that could metastasize and threaten organs supported by the infected structure. When this is the case, surgery is often needed to remove the malignancy before it can begin to spread to surrounding organs and tissue.
Just like any tissue found in the body, it is possible to stress the stroma and weaken the structure. Any infection or virus that interferes with the normal process of cell repair and replacement can have an adverse effect on the supporting tissue network and endanger the supported organs. Fortunately, modern medical technology can identify situations where the connective tissue surrounding an organ has become significantly weakened and take appropriate steps to treat the health problem before permanent damage can occur.
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