Lacunae in cartilage are small, hollow spaces or cavities within the cartilage matrix that house chondrocytes, the cells responsible for maintaining the cartilage. Each lacuna typically contains one or more chondrocytes, which are embedded in the surrounding extracellular matrix. These structures are crucial for the overall health and maintenance of cartilage, allowing for nutrient exchange and cellular communication. Lacunae help provide structural integrity and support to the cartilage tissue.
lacunae
Lacunae are small spaces found within certain types of tissue, such as bone and cartilage. In bone tissue, lacunae contain osteocytes, which are mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix. In cartilage, lacunae house chondrocytes, the cells responsible for producing and maintaining the cartilage matrix. These cells play crucial roles in the health and maintenance of their respective tissues.
Osteocytes
A chondrocyte typically occupies a space within the extracellular matrix of cartilage called a lacuna. These lacunae provide a home for chondrocytes, which are the only cells found in mature cartilage tissue.
In lacunae, you can find chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are cells that are responsible for maintaining the extracellular matrix of cartilage tissue.
Chondrocytes in the lacunae divide and secrete matrix, allowing the cartilage to grow from within.
lacunae
Chondrocytes are embedded in lacunae within the cartilage matrix to provide structural support and protection. The lacunae serve as small cavities that house the chondrocytes, allowing them to maintain their environment and promote the synthesis of the extracellular matrix. This spatial arrangement helps distribute mechanical loads and facilitates nutrient exchange, essential for the health and function of the cartilage. Additionally, being encased in lacunae helps prevent chondrocytes from being damaged by the compressive forces experienced in cartilage.
When chondrocytes in lacunae divide and form new matrix, it leads to an expansion of the cartilage tissue from within. What is this process called?
Cartilage, which is a supporting connective tissue Visual Anatomy and Physiology page 137
The lacunae is the space that holds the cartilage in the bones of the human body. This allows us to move, walk, run, and jump without feeling pain of the bones hitting each other.
Nutrients, oxygen, etc. diffuse from nearby blood vessels through the matrix of the cartilage to reach the chondrocytes residing in their lacunae.