What is the pericellular matrix?

The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a narrow tissue region surrounding chondrocytes in articular cartilage, which together with the enclosed cell(s) has been termed the “chondron.” While the function of this region is not fully understood, it is hypothesized to have important biological and biomechanical functions.

What is a pericellular coat?

Attached to the surface of many mammalian cells is a layer of polysaccharides and proteins. This layer is called the pericellular coat, pericellular matrix or in some specific contexts, the glycocalyx. HA-rich coats range in thickness from a few hundred nanometers to tens of microns thick.

Why is territorial matrix Basophilic?

The territorial matrix is basophilic (attracts basic compounds and dyes due to its anionic/acidic nature), because there is a higher concentration of proteoglycans, so it will color darker when it’s colored and viewed under a microscope.

What does Pericellular mean?

Medical Definition of pericellular : of, relating to, occurring in, or being the tissues surrounding a cell.

What is the cell’s coat called?

The cell coat, also known as the Glycocalyx, is a layer which is surrounds the cell membrane of sone bacteria, epithelial, & some other cells. βœ”Its main function is the protection of a plasma membrane.

What is the function of chondrocytes in cartilage?

Chondrocytes in the AC proliferate and secrete extracellular matrix to maintain and sustain the cartilage. The cells themselves are separated from each other by cartilage matrix [2]. They respond to outside stimuli and tissue damage, and are also responsible for degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA).

What is the difference between chondrocytes and chondroblasts?

There are two main cell types in the cartilage known as chondroblasts and chondrocytes. The key difference between chondrocytes and chondroblasts is that chondroblasts are immature cartilage cells found near the perichondrium while chondrocytes are mature cartilage cells found embedded within the extracellular matrix.

Why is territorial matrix darker?

Is collagen type 2 basophilic?

I. Remember that there are abundant type II collagen fibrils in the matrix. The predominately basophilic staining of the matrix in slide 126 reflects preservation of the negatively charged aggrecan molecules in the matrix.

What is the pericellular space?

The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a narrow space surrounding individual cells. The PCM and the enclosed cell are termed a chondron; this is the primary structural, functional, and metabolic unit of hyaline cartilage [17].

What is the extracellular environment?

The extracellular environment which includes the ECM does not only provide a scaffold for the cells to grow, develop, communicate, and form tissues, the extracellular environment is an active environment comprising both structural and functional components including mobile components such as exosomes.

How is the pericellular matrix different from ECM?

Pericellular matrix (PCM) differs from ECM and it surrounds the chondrocytes with the narrow layer (Poole et al., 1987 ). The chondrocytes encircled with PCM is termed as chondron ( Vanden Berg-Foels et al., 2012 ).

What is the chondron in the pericellular matrix?

The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a narrow space surrounding individual cells. The PCM and the enclosed cell are termed a chondron; this is the primary structural, functional, and metabolic unit of hyaline cartilage.

Where are molecules located in the pericellular matrix?

The pericellular matrix lies immediately around cells, and in this microenvironment, molecules are located that interact with cell surface receptors, for example, hyaluronan binds the receptor CD44. Next to the pericellular matrix lies the territorial matrix, and further out is the interterritorial matrix.

What’s the difference between territorial and interterritorial matrix?

(A) Pericellular matrix, stained in dark purple, is a thin band surrounding each chondrocyte (arrow); territorial matrix is a moderately stained area around pericellular matrix and isogenous groups (arrowhead); interterritorial matrix is a more eosinophil area that occupies the space between territorial matrices.