We will take a close-up look at hyaline cartilage.
         A chondrocyte situated in its lacuna is illustrated. The cell contains organelles for protein synthesis and is capable of secreting a wide variety of molecules, such as cytokines, various enzymes and enzyme inhibitors, growth factors, and matrix components. The chondrocytes are interspersed and fixed within the cartilage matrix.
       As we enter the chondrocyte, we see collagen being synthesized within the cell, and three monomers of Type II collagen form a triple helix resulting in collagen fibrils. The collagen fibrils move outside the cell and form cross-links. The fibrils form collagen fibers, which also have cross-links between each fiber, resulting in structures which have very high tensile strength.