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Hyaline cartilage. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a freeze-fractured section through hyaline cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue. Chondrocyte cells (brown) in the cartilage synthesize an extracellular matrix (pink) that keeps them apart from each other in spaces known as lacunae (black). Hyaline cartilage provides structural support in several parts of the body, including the trachea (windpipe) and nose. It also lines the ends of long bones, reducing friction in joints. Magnification: x400 at 6x7cm size. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/STEVE GSCHMEISSNER)