GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Chondrocytes are mainly responsible for the production of collagen and the extracellular matrix that will lead to the maintenance of cartilaginous tissues within joints. Initial cartilage is composed of the mesenchyme during the fifth week of development.

Detailed explanation-2: -Chondrocytes are the only specialized cell type found in the cartilage tissue. Their diameters vary in between 7 and 30 µm according to the anatomical layer. These cells form 1–2% of the tissue volume (Alford and Cole, 2005). They are responsible for functional and structural integrity of cartilage.

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 (AC) covers the diarthrodial joints and is responsible for the mechanical distribution of loads across the joints. The majority of its structure and function is controlled by chondrocytes that regulate Extracellular Matrix (ECM) turnover and maintain tissue homeostasis.

Detailed explanation-5: -Constituents of cartilage. It is made up of cells called chondroblasts and chondrocytes, (chondro-cartilage) and extracellular matrix, made up about 10% aggrecan, 75% water, and a mix of collagen fibres and other constituents. There are three types of cartilage, which differ mostly in the type of fibres they contain.