Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Bone Remodeling

Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.

Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue

Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue

Chondrocytes form a temporary cartilaginous model by dividing and secreting a thick gel-like extracellular matrix. Once the chondrocytes undergo programmed cell death, osteoblasts enter the site of the cartilaginous model. The process of replacing the temporary cartilaginous model with bone in an ordered manner is called endochondral ossification. In endochondral ossification, not all of the cartilage is replaced by bone tissue. Some cartilage that performs a protective and supportive function...

Fractures: Bone Repair

Fractures: Bone Repair

Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...

Structural Joints: Synovial Joints

Structural Joints: Synovial Joints

Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. This fluid-filled space is where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Also, unlike fibrous or cartilaginous joints, the articulating bone surfaces at a synovial joint are not directly connected to each other with fibrous connective tissue or cartilage. This gives the bones of a synovial joint the ability to move smoothly...

Development of the Limb Synovial Joints

Development of the Limb Synovial Joints

Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...

Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification

Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification

Bone formation, or ossification, begins around the sixth to seventh week of embryonic development. Most bones develop from a cartilaginous template through the process of endochondral ossification. Cartilage formation begins when clusters of mesenchymal cells differentiate into chondrocytes. These chondrocytes proliferate rapidly and secrete an extracellular matrix that becomes encased in a membrane called the perichondrium. The resulting cartilage model provides a template that resembles the...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Tunable Sol-Gel Transition in Poloxamer Blends for Injectable Osteoarticular Applications.

Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A·2026

Same author

Embedded cell-only bioprinting to engineer structurally aligned meniscal fibrocartilage.

Materials today. Bio·2026

Same author

From microtissues to macro solutions - The future of scalable and automated cartilage tissue engineering.

Journal of orthopaedic translation·2026

Same author

Mechanical Tuning of the Cell Microenvironment Using a Biomimetic Hydrogel System for Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering.

Journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine·2026

Same author

Efficacy of the spring distraction system for different etiologies of early onset scoliosis: evaluating an evolving treatment concept.

Spine deformity·2026

Same author

Co-Culture of Mammalian Cells and Photosynthetic Microorganisms for Oxygen Supply in Engineered Tissues.

Cell proliferation·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

3D Hydrogel Scaffolds for Articular Chondrocyte Culture and Cartilage Generation

3D Hydrogel Scaffolds for Articular Chondrocyte Culture and Cartilage Generation

Published on: October 7, 2015

Restoring articular cartilage: insights from structure, composition and development.

Alba Pueyo Moliner^1,2, Keita Ito^2,3, Frank Zaucke⁴

¹Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Nature Reviews. Rheumatology

|March 29, 2025

Summary

Understanding articular cartilage development is key to restoring joint function after injury. Mimicking its complex collagen-proteoglycan matrix using biofabrication can create durable implants for cartilage repair.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Chondrocytes and Chondroprogenitors Using Fibronectin Adhesion and Migratory Assay

Isolation of Chondrocytes and Chondroprogenitors Using Fibronectin Adhesion and Migratory Assay

Published on: October 4, 2024

Establishment and Evaluation of a Sheep Model of Full-thickness Osteochondral Defect

Establishment and Evaluation of a Sheep Model of Full-thickness Osteochondral Defect

Published on: April 14, 2026

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 4, 2026

3D Hydrogel Scaffolds for Articular Chondrocyte Culture and Cartilage Generation

3D Hydrogel Scaffolds for Articular Chondrocyte Culture and Cartilage Generation

Published on: October 7, 2015

Isolation of Chondrocytes and Chondroprogenitors Using Fibronectin Adhesion and Migratory Assay

Isolation of Chondrocytes and Chondroprogenitors Using Fibronectin Adhesion and Migratory Assay

Published on: October 4, 2024

Establishment and Evaluation of a Sheep Model of Full-thickness Osteochondral Defect

Establishment and Evaluation of a Sheep Model of Full-thickness Osteochondral Defect

Published on: April 14, 2026

Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Tissue Engineering
Developmental Biology

Background:

Articular cartilage possesses unique mechanical properties due to its organized extracellular matrix (ECM), primarily collagen type II and proteoglycans.
This ECM structure is crucial for joint function, but cartilage is susceptible to injury and degeneration, with current treatments often failing to restore mechanical integrity.
Replicating the intricate collagen-proteoglycan network is a significant challenge for durable tissue restoration.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the developmental processes of articular cartilage ECM.
To inform the design of biomaterial-based therapies for cartilage repair.
To leverage biofabrication technologies for creating durable articular cartilage implants.

Main Methods:

Investigating the biosynthesis, fibrillogenesis, and self-assembly of the collagen type II network during cartilage development.
Analyzing the role of proteoglycans and other ECM components in shaping cartilage architecture.
Integrating developmental principles with biofabrication techniques for implant creation.

Main Results:

Articular cartilage development involves complex ECM assembly, crucial for mechanical durability.
Understanding ECM development provides insights into strategies for tissue regeneration.
Biofabrication technologies offer a pathway to engineer functional cartilage implants.

Conclusions:

A deeper understanding of articular cartilage development is vital for creating effective therapeutic strategies.
Biomaterial-based therapies informed by developmental biology can improve cartilage restoration outcomes.
Combining fundamental biological knowledge with engineering innovation can lead to more durable 3D implants for articular cartilage repair.