This image illustrates compact or cortical bone, sectioned across the long axis of the bone.
All organic material (i.e., cells, collagen) has been removed so we see here only the remaining mineral structure.
The most prominent features are the sets of concentric lamellae, called osteons, each with a Haversian canal at its center.
In life, each Haversian canal contains a blood vessel which brings nutrients to the tissue. Osteocytes occupy lacunae (here visible as small dark oblongs interspersed among the lamellae) interconnected by canaliculi.
Click on a thumbnail below for additional information.
Comments and questions: dgking@siu.edu
SIUC / School
of Medicine / Anatomy / David
King
http://www.siumed.edu/~dking2/ssb/NM035b.htm
Last updated: 12 December 2003 / dgk
