Brightfield Microscopy Digital Image Gallery

Keloid Scar Tissue

Scar tissue is primarily composed of collagen, which is produced by fibroblasts in areas of the skin near the site of the wound. Typically the collagen does not exceed beyond the injured area of skin. However, some people form keloids when their skin is wounded, though scientists do not fully understand why this occurs. A keloid is a type of swollen scar that grows much larger than other scars, appearing similar to a fibrous tumor. Keloids are not especially dangerous, but they may cause discomfort and itching and may limit movement if they become too large, especially if they are located around the joints of the body. In some cases, they may be severely disfiguring as well.


© 1995-2022 by Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. All Rights Reserved. No images, graphics, software, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders. Use of this website means you agree to all of the Legal Terms and Conditions set forth by the owners.
This website is maintained by our
Graphics & Web Programming Team
in collaboration with Optical Microscopy at the
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
Last modification: Tuesday, Nov 25, 2003 at 04:49 PM
Access Count Since November 25, 2003: 14986
Microscopes and digital imaging equipment provided by:
Visit the Olympus Microscopy Resource Center website. Visit the QImaging website.