What is the extracellular substance around chondrocytes called?

What is the extracellular substance around chondrocytes called?

• A. Chondrocytes
• B. Lacunae
• C. Matrix
• D. Isogenous groups

Answer: (C)

The surrounding substance is the extracellular matrix. In cartilage, chondrocytes sit inside this noncellular matrix that provides structure and resilience, built from collagen fibers and proteoglycan-rich ground substance. The small cavities that house each cell are lacunae, which are features of the matrix rather than the substance itself. When cells divide in a lacuna and stay connected, they form isogenous groups. So the extracellular substance around chondrocytes is the matrix.

The surrounding substance is the extracellular matrix. In cartilage, chondrocytes sit inside this noncellular matrix that provides structure and resilience, built from collagen fibers and proteoglycan-rich ground substance. The small cavities that house each cell are lacunae, which are features of the matrix rather than the substance itself. When cells divide in a lacuna and stay connected, they form isogenous groups. So the extracellular substance around chondrocytes is the matrix.