The perichondrium (from
Greek el, περί, peri, around, label=none and el, χόνδρος, chondros, cartilage, label=none) is a layer of
dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds the
cartilage
Cartilage is a resilient and smooth type of connective tissue. In tetrapods, it covers and protects the ends of long bones at the joints as articular cartilage, and is a structural component of many body parts including the rib cage, the neck an ...
of developing bone. It consists of two separate layers: an outer fibrous layer and inner
chondrogenic layer. The fibrous layer contains
fibroblasts, which produce
collagenous fibres. The chondrogenic layer remains undifferentiated and can form
chondroblasts. Perichondrium can be found around the perimeter of
elastic cartilage and
hyaline cartilage
Hyaline cartilage is the glass-like (hyaline) and translucent cartilage found on many joint surfaces. It is also most commonly found in the ribs, nose, larynx, and trachea. Hyaline cartilage is pearl-gray in color, with a firm consistency and has ...
.
Perichondrium is a type of irregular collagenous ordinary connective tissue, and also functions in the growth and repair of cartilage. Perichondrium contains
type I collagen and
type XII collagen.
References
External links
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Iowa Histology Index 4/iv-05' - "Slide 12, Developing Bone (H&E). Examine cartilage (right) and its perichondrium (arrows)."
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Skeletal system
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