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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.
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]
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]
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]
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 embryogenesis, the skeletal system is derived from the mesoderm germ layer. Chondrification (also known as chondrogenesis) is the process by which cartilage is formed from condensed mesenchyme tissue, which differentiates into chondroblasts and begins secreting the molecules (aggrecan and collagen type II) that form the extracellular matrix.
(e) necrotic chondrocytes (arrows), that is, osteochondrosis manifesta. There is also a chondroclast (arrowhead), presumably engaged in the removal of necrotic cartilage. There is also a chondroclast (arrowhead), presumably engaged in the removal of necrotic cartilage.