What is the structure of chondrocytes?

Structure. The chondrocyte in cartilage matrix has rounded or polygonal structure. The exception occurs at tissue boundaries, for example the articular surfaces of joints, in which chondrocytes may be flattened or discoid. Intra-cellular features are characteristic of a synthetically active cell.

What structure houses chondrocytes?

Chondrocytes are the only specialized cell type found in the cartilage tissue.

How are chondrocytes arranged in cartilage?

The chondrocytes are typically arranged in columnar orientation, parallel to the collagen fibers and perpendicular to the joint line. The deep zone represents approximately 30% of articular cartilage volume.

What is the structure of cartilage?

Cartilage Structure Cartilage is separated from the surrounding tissues by perichondrium which consist of two layers: Outer Fibrous Layer : Which provide protection , mechanical support and attaches the cartilage to other structures. Inner Cellular : It Is Important in the growth and maintenance of cartilage .

What does a chondrocyte look like?

Chondrocytes, or chondrocytes in lacunae, are cells found in cartilage connective tissue. The number of chondrocytes found in cartilage determines how ‘bendy’ the cartilage is. When looking through a microscope, chondrocytes look similar to eyeballs floating in goo.

What are chondrocytes made of?

Chondrocytes are metabolically active cells that synthesize and turnover a large volume of extra cellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and hyaluronan [2].

What is the function of a chondrocyte?

Chondrocytes in the AC proliferate and secrete extracellular matrix to maintain and sustain the cartilage. The cells themselves are separated from each other by cartilage matrix [2]. They respond to outside stimuli and tissue damage, and are also responsible for degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA).

What is the function of a chondrocyte cartilage?

3 Chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are the cells responsible for cartilage formation, and they are crucial for the process of endochondral ossification, which is useful for bone development. Also, by mimicking skeletal development chondrocytes play a critical role in fracture repair.

What do chondrocytes look like?

What is the matrix of cartilage?

The matrix of cartilage is made up of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, collagen fibers and, sometimes, elastin.

What do you mean by chondrocytes?

Chondrocytes are the cells responsible for cartilage formation, and they are crucial for the process of endochondral ossification, which is useful for bone development. Also, by mimicking skeletal development chondrocytes play a critical role in fracture repair.

What is the shape of the cartilage cells?

It is noticeable that in both the in vitro situations cells secreting a cartilaginous matrix are rounded in shape. Recently, Glowacki, Trepman and Folkman (personal communication) have shown a dependence of phenotypic expression by mature chondrocytes on cell shape.