What term refers to the matrix located between lacunae in cartilage?

What term refers to the matrix located between lacunae in cartilage?

• A. Territorial Matrix
• B. Chondrogenic Zone
• C. Interterritorial Matrix
• D. Elastic Fibers

Answer: (C)

The concept here is how cartilage matrix is organized around and between the cells. Each chondrocyte sits in a lacuna, and the matrix immediately surrounding that lacuna is called territorial (or capsular) matrix, which is rich in sulfated proteoglycans and stains more intensely. The matrix that fills the spaces between the lacunae, linking many chondrocytes together, is the interterritorial matrix. It has relatively fewer proteoglycans and is less densely stained. So, the matrix located between lacunae is the interterritorial matrix.

The concept here is how cartilage matrix is organized around and between the cells. Each chondrocyte sits in a lacuna, and the matrix immediately surrounding that lacuna is called territorial (or capsular) matrix, which is rich in sulfated proteoglycans and stains more intensely. The matrix that fills the spaces between the lacunae, linking many chondrocytes together, is the interterritorial matrix. It has relatively fewer proteoglycans and is less densely stained. So, the matrix located between lacunae is the interterritorial matrix.