The word "cartilage cell" is spelled as /ˈkɑː.tɪ.lɪdʒ sel/. The first syllable "car" is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɑː/ as in "car" or "far." The second syllable "ti" has the short "i" sound /ɪ/ as in "sit" or "hit." The third syllable "lage" has the vowel sound /ɑː/ as in "car" or "far" again. The final syllable "cell" is pronounced with the short "e" sound /sel/ as in "tell" or "bell." Together, the word refers to a type of cell found in cartilage tissue.
Cartilage cells, also known as chondrocytes, are specialized cells found in the connective tissue known as cartilage. Cartilage is a tough and flexible tissue that provides support and cushioning between bones, allowing for smooth joint movement. The primary function of cartilage cells is to maintain and repair the cartilage matrix.
These cells are embedded within the extracellular matrix of cartilage, which is composed of collagen fibers and proteoglycans. The cartilage matrix provides tensile strength and resiliency to the tissue. The chondrocytes secrete the matrix components, including collagen and proteoglycans, which are responsible for the unique properties of cartilage, such as its ability to bear mechanical loads and resist compression.
Cartilage cells have a round or oval shape, with a single nucleus. They are surrounded by a lacuna, which is a small cavity within the cartilage matrix that houses the chondrocyte. These cells play a vital role in maintaining the health and integrity of the cartilage tissue. They regulate the synthesis and degradation of matrix components, responding to mechanical stress and biochemical signals to maintain tissue homeostasis.
Cartilage cells are responsible for cartilage growth during development and play a crucial role in the repair and regeneration of damaged cartilage. They are also involved in the maintenance of joint health and function. Dysfunction or loss of cartilage cells can lead to conditions such as osteoarthritis, where the cartilage degenerates, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of joint function.
In summary, cartilage cells are specialized cells found in cartilage tissue responsible for maintaining and repairing the extracellular matrix, ensuring the functionality and health of joint structures.
A connective-tissue cell lying in one of the lacunae or spaces in the ground substances of cartilage.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cartilage" comes from the Latin word "cartilago", which means "gristle" or "firmness". It is believed to originate from the Proto-Indo-European root word *kars-, meaning "to scrape" or "to scratch".
The word "cell" comes from the Latin word "cella", which means "small room" or "enclosed space". It is also related to the Latin word "cellula", meaning "small chamber" or "recess".
Therefore, the term "cartilage cell" is a compound term formed by combining "cartilage" and "cell", where "cartilage" refers to the firm connective tissue found in various parts of the body, and "cell" refers to the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.