Final answer:
A chondrocyte is a cell that is completely surrounded by a lacuna in cartilage, notably in hyaline cartilage. It is responsible for maintaining the cartilaginous matrix which is crucial for joint function and support. During development, hyaline cartilage serves as a template for bone growth before being replaced through endochondral ossification.
Step-by-step explanation:
A chondrocyte is a former chondroblast that has become enclosed within a lacuna in cartilage. Cartilage is a specialized form of connective tissue found in various places in the body, such as joints, ears, nose, and the intervertebral discs. The lacunae are small spaces within the cartilage matrix that provide a home to the chondrocytes. These cells produce and maintain the cartilaginous matrix, composed of collagen and elastic fibers, and the ground substance that consists of chondroitin sulfates and proteins forming proteoglycans.
Hyaline cartilage is a type with few collagen and elastic fibers, where the chondrocytes and their lacunae are randomly scattered, giving it a smooth, glassy appearance. During the development of the human skeleton, hyaline cartilage provides the initial model which is later replaced by bone through a process called endochondral ossification. This type of cartilage is retained in adult humans as articular cartilage at the ends of long bones, where its resilience helps to reduce friction and absorb shock in synovial joints.