Abstract
Chondrocytes, each with their pericellular matrix bounded by a fibrous capsule, can be extracted singly or in groups from both mature pig articular cartilage and chondrosarcoma tissue. These structures, termed chondrons, are thought to anchor the chondrocytes in the matrix and protect them from the compressive forces experienced when articular cartilage is under load. The capsule of these chondrons contains both type II and type IX collagens and is composed of fine fibrillar material, unlike the large banded fibres of type II collagen found in the rest of the matrix. This suggests a role for type IX collagen in regulating the diameter of type II fibres to produce the fine fibrillar structure of the chondron capsules.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
