Perichondrium

The perichondrium is a dense, fibrous connective tissue membrane that surrounds most types of cartilage, except for articular and fibrocartilage. It consists of two layers: an outer fibrous layer rich in collagen fibers and an inner cellular (cambium) layer containing progenitor cells capable of differentiating into chondrocytes. The perichondrium provides structural support, contributes to cartilage growth and repair, and serves as a source of chondrogenic progenitor cells, which are essential for cartilage regeneration and maintenance.