Chondrocytes are the only cells found in healthy cartilage. They produce and maintain the cartilaginous matrix, which consists mainly of collagen and proteoglycans. Chondrocytes are responsible for the production of collagen and the extracellular matrix that will lead to the maintenance of cartilaginous tissues within joints. They play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis within the articular cartilage (AC) joints that provide cushioning in joint movements. Chondrocytes are also responsible for chondral repair; due to their reconstructive nature, they respond to outside trauma in case of tissue damage. Chondrocytes are under active research for implantation and other reconstructive procedures because of their healing capability against degenerative conditions.

The chondrocytic lineage is: Colony-forming unit-fibroblast, Mesenchymal stem cell / marrow stromal cell, Chondrocyte, Hypertrophic chondrocyte. These chondrogenic cells differentiate into chondroblasts, which then synthesize the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM), consisting of a ground substance (proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans for low osmotic potential) and fibers. The chondroblast is now a mature chondrocyte that is usually inactive but can still secrete and degrade the matrix, depending on conditions. Mature chondrocytes are mostly distributed in cartilage pits in groups of 2-8. Under the electron microscope, chondrocytes had protrusions and wrinkles, and there were a large number of rough endoplasmic reticulum, a developed Golgi complex, and a small amount of mitochondria in the cytoplasm.