Table 4.

Properties of articular cartilage chondrocyte

Chondrocyte
Role	Development, maintenance, and repair of the extracellular matrix (ECM).
Origin	Mesenchymal stem cells
Volume	2% of the total volume of articular cartilage.
Shape, number, and size	Vary in shape, number, and size, depending on the anatomical regions of the articular cartilage.
Respond to stimuli	Respond to a variety of mechanical stimuli and growth factors
Replication	Detectable cell division, limited potential for replication
Synthesis matrix	Responsible for both the synthesis and the breakdown of the cartilaginous matrix.
Differentiation	Highly differentiated cell, highly specialized, metabolically active cells
Adaption by low oxygen	Well adapted by low oxygen consumption to conditions