A comprehensive survey of chondrocyte diversification cannot be ventured upon without the necessary preliminary of briefly delineating the basic structure and function of the native tissue which hosts these cells, namely, cartilage. Most cartilages present in mammalian organisms are of the so-called “hyaline” type, this designation deriving from its “glass-like” (Greek, hyalos, glass) or transparent appearance in the native state. Quantitatively minor types include fibrous (e.g., intervertebral discs, menisci, and repair cartilage) and elastic (e.g., ear and nose) forms. Each of these cartilages fulfills a principally skeletal function, and together they constitute a significant portion of the skeletal system.