Kõhrerakke

Kõhrerakke, also known as chondrocytes, are the sole cell type found within cartilage. These specialized cells reside in small cavities called lacunae, embedded within the extracellular matrix of cartilage. Chondrocytes are responsible for synthesizing and maintaining this matrix, which consists primarily of collagen fibers, proteoglycans, and water. This intricate matrix provides cartilage with its unique properties of resilience, flexibility, and resistance to compression.

There are three main types of chondrocytes, distinguished by their origin and location within the cartilage. Young chondrocytes, often found in the proliferative zone of growing cartilage, are small and round. As they mature and differentiate, they enlarge and become more metabolically active, forming mature chondrocytes. In areas of high mechanical stress, such as the articular surfaces of joints, chondrocytes can undergo further changes, sometimes referred to as hypertrophic chondrocytes, though this term is more commonly associated with endochondral ossification.

The health and function of chondrocytes are crucial for the maintenance of healthy cartilage. Factors such as aging, injury, and disease can impair chondrocyte function, leading to cartilage degeneration and conditions like osteoarthritis. Research into chondrocyte biology continues to explore ways to promote their survival, regeneration, and therapeutic potential for treating cartilage defects and diseases.