Chondrocytes are mature cells in cartilage that facilitate fluid exchange for nutrient delivery and waste removal. They arise from stem cells and cannot divide. Cartilage can be repaired through transplants using the patient’s or someone else’s cells.
Chondrocytes are mature cells found in cartilage. They form the cellular matrix of cartilage, performing a number of functions within the tissue, including facilitating the exchange of fluids through the gelatinous layers. Because cartilage lacks blood supply, it relies on this exchange to receive nutrients and express waste materials. Fully mature chondrocytes tend to be round and may cluster in small clusters within the cartilage network.
The progenitors of these cells arise in the bone marrow, in the form of stem cells. Stem cells are capable of differentiating into different types of cells, depending on the need. When they differentiate into cartilage cells, they begin as chondroblasts, actively producing secretions of chondrin, the primary substance in cartilage, to build and repair tissue. Once a chondroblast is fully surrounded, it is a mature chondrocyte. These cells are found in small spaces within the cartilage known as lacunae.
Chondrocytes are unable to divide cells. They can produce secretions to support and repair the cartilage matrix and, as discussed above, facilitate the exchange of materials between the cartilage and surrounding material. Depending on the type of cartilage a cell is in, it may have a slightly different composition; elastic, hyaline, and fibrocartilage are all unique, designed to meet various needs within the body.
Softer than bone and harder than muscle, cartilage can be found in a number of areas of the body. It is often present around the joints and can also be found in the ears. Under normal circumstances, cartilage wears down over time and chondrocytes replace and repair it as needed. There are situations where the cartilage can be so damaged that the cells cannot repair it, however, such as with surgeries where the cartilage must be removed to correct a problem or gain access to a surgical site. In other cases, the body doesn’t heal properly even though it should, and as a result the cartilage doesn’t repair itself.
Transplants are available to address cartilage problems. Sometimes, the transplant may be done with the patient’s own cells, and in other cases, the preparation may use someone else’s cells. Cartilage replacement after a serious injury or major surgery can be important for more complete healing, which can make transplantation one of the steps a patient and care team takes along the path to recovery.
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