osteon

(noun)

any of the central canals and surrounding bony layers found in compact bone

Related Terms

Examples of osteon in the following topics:

  • Bone

    • Compact bone tissue consists of units called osteons or Haversian systems.
    • Osteons are cylindrical structures that contain a mineral matrix and living osteocytes connected by canaliculi which transport blood.
    • Each osteon consists of lamellae, layers of compact matrix that surround a central canal (the Haversian or osteonic canal), which contains the bone's blood vessels and nerve fibers.
    • Spongy bone tissue does not contain osteons.
    • The small dark ovals in the osteon represent the living osteocytes.

  • Connective Tissues: Bone, Adipose, and Blood

    • Compact bone is organized into subunits called osteons.
    • A blood vessel and a nerve are found in the center of the osteon within a long opening called the Haversian canal, with radiating circles of compact bone around it known as lamellae.
    • (b) Compact bone is organized into rings called osteons.