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Chondrocytes (/ ˈ k ɒ n d r ə s aɪ t,-d r oʊ-/, [1] from Greek χόνδρος (chondros) 'cartilage' and κύτος (kytos) 'cell') are the only cells found in healthy cartilage. They produce and maintain the cartilaginous matrix, which consists mainly of collagen and proteoglycans .
The cartilage cells or chondrocytes are contained in cavities in the matrix, called cartilage lacunae; around these, the matrix is arranged in concentric lines as if it had been formed in successive portions around the cartilage cells.
Within adults and developing adults, most chondroblasts are located in the perichondrium. This is a thin layer of connective tissue which protects cartilage and is where chondroblasts help to expand cartilage size whenever prompted to by hormones such as GH, TH, and glycosaminoglycans. [2]
Hyaline cartilage is located in the trachea, nose, epiphyseal plate, sternum, and ribs. [2] Hyaline cartilage is covered externally by a fibrous membrane known as the perichondrium. [2] The primary cells of cartilage are chondrocytes, which are in a matrix of fibrous tissue, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. [2] [3]
In this zone, the chondrocytes undergo hypertrophy (become enlarged). Chondrocytes contain large amounts of glycogen and begin to secrete vascular endothelial growth factor to initiate vascular invasion. Zone of calcification In this zone, chondrocytes are either dying or dead, leaving cavities that will later become invaded by bone-forming ...
Cartilage is composed of specialized cells called chondrocytes that produce a large amount of collagenous extracellular matrix, abundant ground substance that is rich in proteoglycan and elastin fibers.
Afterwards, chondrocytes undergo hypertrophy beginning from the mid-diaphysis, eventually extending to the epiphyseal poles, vasculature invades the forming bone transporting mesenchymal stromal cells and hypertrophic cells undergo apoptosis. Mesenchymal stromal cells differentiate into osteoblasts and then osteocytes.
In cartilage, the lacunae and hence, the chondrocytes, are isolated from each other. Materials picked up by osteocytes adjacent to blood vessels are distributed throughout the bone matrix via the canaliculi. Diameter of canaliculi in human bone is approximately 200 to 900 nm. [1]