Chondrocyte

Chondrocytes are supported in a matrix

Cartilage is an unusual tissue. It consists primarily of a 'matrix' in which the cartilage cells or chondrocytes sit separated from one another in little holes (lacunae).

The cartilage is the white covering of the ends of the long bones. Here the inset magnifies a tiny part of the cartilage covering the rounded end of the femur.	The cartilage cells lie within lacunae - holes in the matrix - and control the production of the matrix.