Final answer:
Osteoarthritis leads to the death of cartilage cells, chondrocytes, due to lack of nutrients, followed by invasion of blood vessels carrying osteogenic cells that become osteoblasts, contributing to the joint pain and stiffness characteristic of the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Within cartilage cells, known as chondrocytes, several changes occur when they are affected by osteoarthritis (OA). OA is the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone, often due to 'wear and tear.' When cartilage deteriorates, nutrients can no longer reach the chondrocytes, leading to their death and the subsequent disintegration of the surrounding cartilage. Blood vessels begin to invade the empty spaces, which not only enlarges the cavities but also introduces osteogenic cells that will become osteoblasts, involved in new bone formation. This process is part of the body's attempt to repair the damage, but it also contributes to the symptoms of pain and stiffness associated with OA.
Osteoarthritis is a common condition, especially in aging populations, and can be exacerbated by factors such as injury, physical labor, certain sports, and obesity. These factors accelerate the 'wear and tear' on the articular cartilage in synovial joints, making it thinner and less capable of cushioning the joint movements. As the articular cartilage layer wears away, the underlying bone might thicken and become irregular, compounding pain and leading to increased inflammation. In more advanced cases of OA, the affected joints become more painful and limit mobility, significantly impacting an individual's quality of life.