Chondroblasts vs. Chondrocytes

Main Difference

The main difference between the Chondroblasts and the Chondrocytes is that Chondroblasts are the cells that secrete the extracellular matrix of cartilage, whereas Chondrocytes are the cells that are involved in the maintenance of cartilage.

Difference Between Chondroblasts and Chondrocytes

Comparison Chart

Chondroblasts vs. Chondrocytes

Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue which is present in many places of the body. The process of formation of cartilage from the mesenchyme tissue is called chondrogenesis. Chondroblasts and chondrocytes are the two principal cell types in the cartilage. Chondroblasts are the type of immature cells of cartilage. Chondrocytes, on the other hand, are considered as the mature cells of cartilage. The chondrocytes are formed when the chondroblasts are stuck in the extracellular matrix, which is in fact, secreted by the chondroblasts. Chondrocytes, on the flip side, are involved in the repairing of the cartilage as well as in the diffusion of the nutrients to cartilage. Chondroblasts are responsible for the appositional growth of the cartilage. Chondrocytes, on the other side, are responsible for the interstitial growth of the cartilage. We can find chondroblasts from the perichondrium of the cartilage. The perichondrium is responsible for protecting the cartilage and is a thin layer of connective tissue. Conversely, chondrocytes are derived from the chondroblasts. Furthermore, chondrocytes are the cell type that is found in mature cartilage. The extracellular matrix of the cartilage is made up of hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, collagen, proteoglycans, and water, whereas, the extracellular matrix of the chondrocytes is made up of sulfated glycosaminoglycans. The chondrocytes are responsible for maintaining the extracellular matrix of the cartilage.

What are Chondroblasts?

Chondroblasts are the cells of cartilage that secrete the extracellular matrix of it. They are also called as the perichondrial cells or mesenchymal progenitor cells, which give rise to components of the extracellular matrix and the chondrocytes. Chondroblasts generally secrete other types of extracellular matrix constituents and type two collagen. The extracellular matrix of the chondroblasts is made up of glycoproteins, proteoglycans, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and water. The chondroblasts are important for the development of cartilage. They are present at the edges of the cartilage below the perichondrium, and at that place, the cell division comes about as two oppositional areas. Perichondrium protects the cartilage and is a thin layer of connective tissue. The chondroblasts, when needed, are activated by the hormones such as thyroid hormones and growth hormones and secrete the extracellular matrix. This secretion increases the size of cartilage. This kind of growth in cartilage is known as appositional growth. The extracellular matrix that is secreted by the chondroblasts is found in the outer covering of cartilage.

What are Chondrocytes?

Chondrocytes are the cells of cartilage that are involved in the maintenance of it. These are the mature form of the cells of cartilage and are embedded in the extracellular, self-secreted matrix of the cartilage. These cells come into being through the chondroblasts, which secrete the extracellular matrix. This extracellular matrix makes the lacunae in which the chondrocytes are present. The chondrocytes are the only cell type which is present in mature cartilage. The extracellular matrix of the chondrocytes is made up of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and surrounds the chondrocytes. The chondrocytes maintain the extracellular matrix of the cartilage. Chondrocytes secrete collagen, proteoglycans, and elastin fibers.

Conclusion

All of the above discussion summarizes that chondroblasts and chondrocytes are the two kinds of cells which are found in the cartilage. Both of them are involved in the growth of the cartilage. Chondroblasts have a role in the appositional growth of cartilage, whereas chondrocytes have a role in the interstitial growth of cartilage.