Cartilage, light micrograph. Chondrocytes surrounded by hyaline cartilage matrix which they produce. When cartilage is growing the chondrocytes proliferate by mitosis as noted by the mitotic figure and results in chondrocyte pairs as seen here. Cartilage matrix consists of collagen, glycoproteins and other proteins that serve as rigid support and retention of water for resisting compression. Methacrylate section, Toluidine blue stain. Magnification: x590 when width printed at 10cm.