- The perichondrium is a dense layer of connective tissue that surrounds most types of cartilage.
- Its primary role is to provide nutrients and support the growth and repair of cartilage.
- Since cartilage is avascular (lacking blood vessels), it relies heavily on the perichondrium to supply essential nutrients and remove waste products through diffusion.

- Additionally, the perichondrium contains chondroblasts, which are precursor cells important for the appositional growth of cartilage (growth in thickness).
- It also plays a critical role in the repair process of damaged cartilage by generating new cartilage cells.

Other options, such as facilitating synovial fluid production, acting as a site for hematopoiesis, or serving as an attachment site for tendons and ligaments, do not describe the primary functions of the perichondrium. Synovial fluid is produced by the synovial membrane, hematopoiesis occurs primarily in the bone marrow, and tendons and ligaments attach to bone rather than the perichondrium.

In summary, the perichondrium’s main function is to nourish cartilage and enable its growth and repair, which is essential for maintaining healthy cartilage tissue.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 41st Edition, Chapter on Cartilage