Plays a major role in maintaining the high osmotic tension essential to the elasticity of hyalin cartilage. Hyalin cartilage is composed of collagen type II that forms a meshwork, enclosing giant macromolecular aggregates of proteoglycans. Chondroitin sulfate is a main part of this ground substance.
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.
A glycosaminoglycan present in connective tissue, including the cornea and cartilage. It is used as a dietary supplement to treat joint pain, especially in people and animals with degenerative joint disease, usually combined with the dietary supplement glucosamine.