Auricular Chondrocytes (ACC)

Auricular chondrocytes(ACC) are obtained from auricular cartilage. They lie isolated within an extracellular matrix in cavities called lacunae that are not vascularized or innervated. As a type of Elastic cartilage, ACC provides flexibility and support for ears but is able to maintain its shape.They can be grown easily in culture and human ACC have been used as a source for autologous cell/tissue transplant in several fields of reconstructive surgery. Moreover, auricular chondrocytes can be used to improve biocompatibility of luminal surfaces of cardiovascular prostheses.