chondrocyte

anatomy

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June 24, 2026

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A chondrocyte is a cartilage cell. These cells are found within the matrix of hyaline cartilage, which is a type of connective tissue. Hyaline cartilage is characterized by its glossy, pearl-gray or blue-white appearance and resilience.12

This type of cartilage is located on the surfaces of joints, forming the articular cartilage that covers the ends of bones in free-moving joints. It is also present in the fetal skeleton, ribs, nose, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. The chondrocytes within the cartilage matrix are crucial for its metabolism and nutrition. They are responsible for forming components like chondroitin sulfate, which is essential for the cartilaginous material. Hyaline cartilage lacks blood vessels and nerves, relying on diffusion for nutrient and gas exchange.23

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connective tissue
Cartilage
The cells of cartilage, called chondrocytes, are isolated in small lacunae within the matrix. Although cartilage is avascular, gaseous metabolites and nutrients can diffuse through the aqueous phase of the gel-like matrix to reach the cells. Cartilage is enclosed by the perichondrium, a dense fibrous layer lined by cells that…
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The cells of cartilage, called chondrocytes, are isolated in small lacunae within the matrix. Although cartilage is avascular, gaseous metabolites and nutrients can diffuse through the aqueous phase of the gel-like matrix to reach the cells. Cartilage is enclosed by the perichondrium, a dense fibrous layer lined by cells that…
Read More

joint
Joint metabolism and nutrition
…that of its cells (chondrocytes). Carbohydrate metabolism in these cells is similar to that of cells elsewhere and is unaffected by age. The oxygen consumption of the chondrocytes, on the other hand, decreases with age once the cells have matured. All the evidence suggests that the intracellular combustion is…
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…that of its cells (chondrocytes). Carbohydrate metabolism in these cells is similar to that of cells elsewhere and is unaffected by age. The oxygen consumption of the chondrocytes, on the other hand, decreases with age once the cells have matured. All the evidence suggests that the intracellular combustion is…
Read More

cartilage
Cartilage cells, called chondrocytes, occur at scattered sites through the cartilage and receive nutrition by diffusion through the gel; cartilage contains no blood vessels or nerves, unlike bone.
Read More
Cartilage cells, called chondrocytes, occur at scattered sites through the cartilage and receive nutrition by diffusion through the gel; cartilage contains no blood vessels or nerves, unlike bone.
Read More