(a) A schematic representation of the most abundant molecules in cartilage matrix shows the interaction between type II collagen fibrils and proteoglycans
linked to hyaluronic acid. Link proteins noncovalently bind the protein core of proteoglycans to the linear hyaluronic acid molecules. The chondroitin sulfate
side chains of the proteoglycan electrostatically bind to the collagen fibrils, forming a cross-linked matrix. The circled area is shown larger in the lower part
of the figure. Physical properties of these matrix components produce a highly hydrated, pliable material with great strength. Approximately 75% of the wet
weight of hyaline cartilage is water.
(b) A diagramSource:
of the transitional
area between
the perichondrium
and the
Chapter 7. Cartilage,
Junqueira’s
Basic Histology,
13ecartilage matrix. Fibroblast-like progenitor cells in the perichondrium give rise to
larger chondroblasts, which divide and differentiate as chondrocytes. These functional cells produce matrix components and exist in lacunae embedded in
Citation: Mescher AL. Junqueira’s Basic Histology, 13e; 2013 Available at: http://mhmedical.com/ Accessed: July 12, 2017
the matrix. Staining differences are apparent between the matrix immediately around each lacuna, called the territorial matrix, and that more distant from
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lacunae, the interterritorial matrix. Collagen is more abundant in the interterritorial parts of the matrix.