GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Cartilage is formed from the mesoderm germ layer by the process known as chondrogenesis. Mesenchyme differentiates into chondroblasts which are the cells that secrete the major components of the extracellular matrix. The most important of these components for cartilage formation being aggrecan and type II collagen.

Detailed explanation-2: -The cartilage is a specialized connective tissue which is compact and less vascular. It has widely spaced cells. Its extensive matrix is composed of proteins and is slightly hardened by calcium salts. Its matrix is produced and maintained by chondrocytes.

Detailed explanation-3: -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.

Detailed explanation-4: -Articular cartilage is hyaline cartilage and is 2 to 4 mm thick. Unlike most tissues, articular cartilage does not have blood vessels, nerves, or lymphatics. It is composed of a dense extracellular matrix (ECM) with a sparse distribution of highly specialized cells called chondrocytes.

Detailed explanation-5: -Cartilage is a form of connective tissue in which the ground substance is abundant and of a firmly gelated consistency that endows this tissue with unusual rigidity and resistance to compression. The cells of cartilage, called chondrocytes, are isolated in small lacunae within the matrix.