Chondrocyte

Matrix

Lacuna

Cartilage
- Specialized connective tissue that provides for both strength and flexibility

Taken from Gartner and Hiatt - Three varieties of cartilage, hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage

Cartilage is a nonvascular, strong, and somewhat pliable structure composed of a firm matrix of proteoglycans whose main glycosaminoglycans are chondroitin-4-sulfate and chondroitin-6-sulfate. The fibrous and cellular components of cartilage are embedded in this matrix. The fibers are either solely collagenous or a combination of elastic and collagenous, depending on the cartilage type. The cellular components are the Chondrocytes, which are housed individually in small spaces known as lacunae. chondroblasts and chondrogenic cells, both of which are located in the perichondrium. Most cartilage is surrounded by a dense irregular collagenous connective tissue membrane, the perichondrium, which has an outer fibrous layer and an inner chondrogenic layer.

 The outer fibrous layer, although poor in cells, is composed mostly of fibroblasts and collagen fibers. The inner cellular or chondrogenic layer is composed of chondroblasts and chondrogenic cells. The latter give rise to chondroblasts, cells that are responsible for secreting the cartilage matrix. It is from this layer that the cartilage may grow appositionally. As the chondroblasts secrete matrix and fibers around themselves, they become incarcerated in their own secretions and are then termed chondrocytes. These chondrocytes, at least in young cartilage, possess the capacity to undergo cell division, thus contributing to the growth of the cartilage from within (interstitial growth). When this occurs, each lacuna may house several chondrocytes and is referred to as a cell nest (isogenous group). In order for these cells to manufacture type II collagen and the other components of the cartilage matrix, these cells need Sox9, a transcription factor. Hyaline cartilage is surrounded by a well-defined perichondrium. The type II collagen fibers of the matrix of this cartilage are mostly very fi ne and are, therefore, fairly well masked by the surrounding glycosaminoglycans, giving the matrix a smooth, glassy appearance. The acidic nature of the proteoglycans, combined with the enormous size of the proteoglycan-hyaluronic acid complex, results in these molecules possessing huge domains and tremendous capacity for binding cations and water. Additionally, the matrix contains glycoproteins that help the cells maintain contact with the intercellular matrix. Hyaline cartilage is present at the articulating surfaces of most bones, the C rings of the trachea, and the laryngeal, costal, and nasal cartilages, among others. Elastic cartilage also possesses a perichondrium. The matrix, in addition to the type II collagen fi bers, contains a wealth of coarse elastic fibers that impart to it a characteristic appearance. This cartilage is located in areas like the epiglottis, external ear and ear canal, and some of the smaller laryngeal cartilages. Fibrocartilage differs from elastic and hyaline cartilage in that it has no perichondrium. Additionally, the chondrocytes are smaller and are usually oriented in parallel longitudinal rows. The matrix of this cartilage contains a large number of thick type I collagen fiber bundles between the rows of chondrocytes. Fibrocartilage is present in only a few places, namely, in some symphyses, the eustachian tube, intervertebral (and some articular) discs, and certain areas where tendons insert into bone