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Mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, originate from the embryonic ectoderm and mesoderm, the outer and middle germ layers of a developing embryo. MSCs are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into multiple connective tissue cell types. 

MSCs are similar to fibroblasts in their morphology, gene expression, and differentiation potential, among other characteristics.

MSCs originate as epithelial cells from the epiblast, the developing embryo’s outermost layer. The cells move from the epiblast into a region in the center of the embryo and then migrate laterally as mesenchymal stem cells. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is essential for the formation of various organs and tissues.

Depending on the softness or hardness of the matrix where MSCs are growing, they can differentiate into specific connective tissue cell types.
 

For example, on a soft extracellular matrix, MSCs differentiate into adipocytes; however, on a much harder matrix, the MSCs differentiate into osteoblasts, potentially forming the bone matrix.