Microscopic Structure of Bone: Compact Bone

Question 1

What is the structural unit of compact bone?

Answer 1

Osteon (aka: Haversian system)

Question 2

What are the 3 main characteristics of the Osteon?

Answer 2

Lamellae

Haversian canal

Volkmann’s canals

Question 3

Describe Lamellae?

Answer 3

weight-bearing, column-like matrix tubes composed mainly of collagen

Question 4

What are the three kinds of lamellae?

Answer 4

Osteon lamellae

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Interstitial lamellae

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Circumferential lamellae

Question 5

What is the Haversian canal (central canal)?

Answer 5

The central channel containing blood vessels and nerves

Question 6

What are Volkmann’s canals?

Answer 6

Channels lying at right angles to the central canal, connecting blood and nerve supply of the periosteum to that of the Haversian canal

Question 7

What are Lacunae?

Answer 7

small cavities in bone that contain osteocytes

Question 8

What are osteocytes?

Answer 8

mature bone cells

Question 9

What are canaliculi?

Answer 9

Hair-like canals that connect lacunae to each other and the central canal