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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 .
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]
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. This constitutes the so-called capsule of the space.
The perichondrium (from Greek περί, peri, 'around' and χόνδρος, chondros, 'cartilage') is a layer of dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds the cartilage of developing bone.
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.
The primary cells of cartilage are chondrocytes, which are in a matrix of fibrous tissue, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. [2] [3] As cartilage does not have lymph glands or blood vessels, the movements of solutes, including nutrients, occur via diffusion within the fluid compartments contiguous with adjacent tissues. [2]
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 ...
Isogenous groups differentiate into individual chondrocytes where they continue to produce and deposit extracellular matrix (ECM), lengthening the cartilage and increasing its diameter. [3] [5] This is termed interstitial growth and is one of only two ways cartilage can grow. [4] Cartoon representation of hyaline cartilage with isogenous groups.