Page 282 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

FIGURE 7.29 ■ Dry, compact bone: ground, longitudinal section. Low

magnification.

FIGURE 7.30 | Compact Bone, Dried: Osteon

(Transverse Section)

A higher magnification illustrates the details of one osteon and portions of
adjacent osteons. Located in the center of the osteon is the dark-staining central
(Haversian) canal (3) surrounded by the concentric lamellae (4). Between

adjacent osteons are the interstitial lamellae (5). The dark, almond-shaped
structures between the lamellae (4) are the lacunae (1, 7) that house osteocytes
in living bone.

Tiny canaliculi (2) radiate from individual lacuna (1, 7) to adjacent lacunae

and form a system of communicating canaliculi (2) throughout the bony matrix
and within the central canal (3). The canaliculi (2) contain tiny cytoplasmic
extensions of the osteocytes. In this manner, osteocytes around the osteon
communicate with each other and blood vessels in the central canals. The outer

boundary of the osteon is separated by a cement line (6).

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