In histological studies, hyaline cartilage is typically stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains. Hematoxylin stains the nuclei of chondrocytes a deep blue, while eosin stains the extracellular matrix a light pink. Special stains such as Alcian Blue may also be used to highlight the presence of proteoglycans within the cartilage matrix. Under the microscope, hyaline cartilage appears as a homogenous, bluish-white tissue with scattered chondrocytes within lacunae.
