Chondro-: From 1 Different Sources
A prefix denoting a relationship to cartilage, as in chondrocyte, a cell that produces cartilage.
A TUMOUR composed in part of cartilage.... chondroma
n. a cell that produces the matrix of *cartilage.... chondroblast
n. a tumour derived from *chondroblasts, having the appearance of a mass of well-differentiated cartilage.... chondroblastoma
n. the appearance of calcific material in joint cartilage, most commonly an incidental finding on X-ray of the knees in elderly patients and usually causing no symptoms. Calcification of cartilage may also be seen at the shoulder and in the fibrocartilage of the wrist. It may be associated with osteoarthritis. It is also seen less commonly in several other disorders, including Wilson’s disease, pseudogout, hyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, and haemochromatosis.... chondrocalcinosis
n. a cell that is concerned with the absorption of cartilage.... chondroclast
n. the embryonic skull, which is composed entirely of cartilage and is later replaced by bone. See also meninx.... chondrocranium
n. a *cartilage cell, found embedded in the matrix.... chondrocyte
a fairly common painful nodule on the upper part of the ear. It occurs mainly in middle-aged or elderly men and characteristically prevents the sufferer from sleeping on the affected side; it is readily treated by being cut out.... chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis
(chondro-osteodystrophy, chondrodystrophy) n. any of various conditions in which there is abnormal cartilage development. It affects long bones and can cause short-limb dwarfism, overgrowth of the epiphysis, or other deformities. One particular form is an autosomal *recessive syndrome most commonly found in Old Order Amish populations. See also achondroplasia.... chondrodysplasia
a mucopolysaccharide that forms an important constituent of cartilage, bone, and other connective tissues. It is composed of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine units. Although it is sold as a supplement to help with joint pain, evidence of any benefit is limited.... chondroitin sulphate
n. softening, inflammation, and degeneration of cartilage at a joint. Chondromalacia patellae is the most common kind, affecting the undersurface of the kneecap; it results in pain in the front of the knee and grating (*crepitus), which is made worse by kneeling, squatting, and climbing stairs. Treatment includes physiotherapy, ice packs, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), weight loss, and avoidance of aggravating factors, such as running and jumping.... chondromalacia
n. the refashioning of articular cartilage, commonly performed by shaving areas of worn and unstable cartilage with the aid of an *arthroscope.... chondroplasty
Health Encyclopedia