Zonal Structure of Articular Cartilage

The chondrocytes of the intermediate zone are more spherical than, and differ from, the cells of the superficial layer, which show surface polaritity. Chondrons are found in the intermediate layer. They consist of chondrocytes, pericellular matrix, and pericellular capsule. In this zone, the chondrocytes do not form vertical columns as extensively as is observed in the deep zone. At high magnification the collagen fibrils have a beaded appearance, which may reflect the high level of PGs seen in this region. 

2 Detailed Structure and Composition of Tendon, Ligament, and Joint Capsule 

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Figure 3.23. Diagram illustrating the zonal structure of articular cartilage. The superficial zone contains aligned collagen fibrils the intermediate zone contains unoriented collagen fibrils the deep zone contains collagen fibrils perperdicular to the subchondral bone.

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