Light microscopy of cartilage covering the surfaces of two bone ends inside a joint. Called hyaline articular cartilage it consists of a matrix and cartilage cells (chondrocytes) stained blue. Some functions of this cartilage are to provide an almost frictionless surface for joint movement and, by retaining water in its matrix, to resist compression. The joint space is filled with synovial fluid acting as a lubricant and nutrient source. The cartilage has no direct blood vessels. Magnification x120 when narrow width printed at 10 cm.