The extracellular matrix (ECM) of cartilage is relatively firm. Chondrocytes are located in small cavities of the matrix called lacunae.
The cells frequently undergo some degree of shrinkage during fixation and during the remaining process of preparing paraffin blocks for sectioning. The cartilage ECM, on the other hand undergoes considerably less shrinkage. As a result, a small space may develop between the chondrocytes and the surrounding matrix, making the lacunae appear empty or to contain only small remnants of the cells.
Numerous chondrocytes can be seen in the image. The cytoplasm and the nucleus of some of them become respectively highlighted in red and blue when you place the cursor over the image.
The extracellular matrix of cartilage stains blue or purplish after being stained by hematoxylin and eosin.
The perichondrium, a layer of connective tissue proper that surrounds the cartilage, is highlighted in green. Observe that no connective tissue fibers are seen in the hyaline cartlage ECM.
6-4 Cartilage
Hyaline Cartilage – 2
Chondrocytes and extracellular matrix
