Chondrocytes in Healthy Cartilage (IMAGE) University of California - San Diego Caption The surface (top) of joint cartilage has the highest concentration of chondrocyte cells, which are crucial to maintenance of a wear-resistant, frictionless, load-bearing surface for joint articulation. Credit UC San Diego Usage Restrictions Credit: UC San Diego License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.