Anatomy
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What are Cartilage Cells?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Less rigid than bone and yet stiffer than muscle, cartilage is an important type of tissue that makes up parts of skeletal systems. Found in humans and animals, cartilage can make up minor parts of skeletal structures, such as in the knee joint, or form major sections of an organism’s composition, such as in the case of sharks and rays. Cartilage is made up of cartilage cells, called chondrocytes, which aid in production, function and repair of the tissue.

Cartilage cells are composed of several different materials, but contain a large amount of gelatinous collagen fibers. These fibers are what allow the cartilage to retain the flexibility needed to coat joint endings and form structures such as the nose and ears. Unlike many other cells, cartilage cells are not connected to blood vessels. Instead, nutrients are absorbed into the matrix of the cells in order to allow for continued function.

The outer ear is formed by cartilage cells.
The outer ear is formed by cartilage cells.

In humans and some mammals, the cells that make up cartilage begin their work long before birth. The initial skeleton of a fetus is largely composed of cartilage, which is gradually replaced by bone as development continues. Even after skeletal development, cartilage plays a major part in the shaping and form of the body. In addition to serving as a connective mechanism between bones, many human joints are cushioned by cartilage. Cartilage cells and tissue also play a major part in the function of the spine, by making up much of the material for the disks that rest between each vertebrae.

A shark's skeleton is mostly made of cartilage.
A shark's skeleton is mostly made of cartilage.

Cartilage cells often grow in small pits or crevasses in the bone known as lacuna. They tend to form one of three different types of cartilage, depending on the location of the cells and the needs of the organism. Fibrocartilage is the toughest material that comes from these cells, and is found in the intervertebral discs and other areas that will be subject to heavy stress and weight. Elastic cartilage is found in the tissues of the ears as well as the nose and throat. Hyaline cartilage is also in the ear and throat and is the primary substance with which the pre-skeletal system is formed.

Many human joints are cushioned by cartilage.
Many human joints are cushioned by cartilage.

One of the major problems with cartilage cells and tissue is that the cells have a poor mechanism for repairing damage. Since the cells grow in lacuna, migration to repair injuries may be slow or impossible. Even when new cartilage grows over an eroded or injured area, it can be the far less flexible fibrocartilage, which may limit function and movement. According to some experts, cartilage replacement therapy may see major advancement with the application of lab-cultured stem cells.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a TheHealthBoard writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a TheHealthBoard writer.

Learn more...

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    • The outer ear is formed by cartilage cells.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      The outer ear is formed by cartilage cells.
    • A shark's skeleton is mostly made of cartilage.
      By: Christopher Bartlett
      A shark's skeleton is mostly made of cartilage.
    • Many human joints are cushioned by cartilage.
      By: Maridav
      Many human joints are cushioned by cartilage.
    • Fibrocartilage supports the spine.
      By: maya2008
      Fibrocartilage supports the spine.
    • Fibrocartilage in the public symphysis may soften and pull apart during pregnancy.
      By: Gabriel Blaj
      Fibrocartilage in the public symphysis may soften and pull apart during pregnancy.
    • Cartilage makes up parts of skeletal systems.
      By: 7activestudio
      Cartilage makes up parts of skeletal systems.