Stellknorpel

Stellknorpel, also known as stellate cartilage, is a specific type of hyaline cartilage found in certain locations within the human body. Its defining characteristic is its star-like or stellate shape, with chondrocytes (cartilage cells) often appearing in clusters or lacunae that radiate outwards. This morphology is distinct from the more uniform arrangement seen in other hyaline cartilages.

The primary and most well-known location for stellknorpel is within the hyaline cartilage of the articular surfaces of synovial joints, particularly in the epiphyseal plates of long bones during development. It plays a crucial role in endochondral ossification, the process by which bone is formed from a cartilage model. The stellate arrangement of chondrocytes here is thought to facilitate the rapid proliferation and differentiation required for bone growth.

While less commonly discussed, stellknorpel may also be present in other areas where hyaline cartilage is found, though its prominence is most noted in the context of growth and development. The structural properties of stellknorpel, arising from its cellular arrangement and the surrounding extracellular matrix, contribute to its function in load-bearing and flexibility within these specific anatomical regions. Its presence is a testament to the specialized adaptations of cartilage tissue to fulfill diverse physiological roles.