Cartilage tissue. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a cartilaginous capsule (centre) in the articular hyaline cartilage. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue and consists of cells, chondrocytes, embedded in an intercellular matrix synthesised and secreted by them. The capsule seen here originally contained a chondrocyte. The cartilage matrix occupies the rest of the frame and is composed of connective collagen and elastin fibres. Articular hyaline cartilage covers the ends of long bones and its smooth and slippery surface facilitates movement of the joints. Magnification: x3600 at 6x7cm size.