Which cell type is a cartilage-forming cell?

Which cell type is a cartilage-forming cell?

• A. Osteoblast
• B. Fibroblast
• C. Chondroblast
• D. Chondrocyte

Answer: (C)

The key idea is identifying which cell type synthesizes cartilage. Chondroblasts are the cells that build the cartilage matrix by secreting the extracellular components like collagen and proteoglycans. As they produce more matrix, they become embedded in it and differentiate into chondrocytes, the mature cartilage cells that reside in lacunae and maintain the tissue. That makes chondroblasts the cartilage-forming cells. Osteoblasts form bone tissue, not cartilage. Fibroblasts make fibrous connective tissue and collagen fibers in general. Chondrocytes are the mature cells already resident in cartilage, not the cells that actively form new cartilage.

The key idea is identifying which cell type synthesizes cartilage. Chondroblasts are the cells that build the cartilage matrix by secreting the extracellular components like collagen and proteoglycans. As they produce more matrix, they become embedded in it and differentiate into chondrocytes, the mature cartilage cells that reside in lacunae and maintain the tissue. That makes chondroblasts the cartilage-forming cells.

Osteoblasts form bone tissue, not cartilage. Fibroblasts make fibrous connective tissue and collagen fibers in general. Chondrocytes are the mature cells already resident in cartilage, not the cells that actively form new cartilage.