The term stroma refers to the supportive framework of an organ or tissue, distinct from the functional or parenchymal components. In histology, the stroma is composed primarily of connective tissues, which may encompass a variety of cell types, including fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells, along with extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The stroma provides structural support and plays a crucial role in maintaining the microenvironment necessary for the proper functioning of the parenchymal cells.
