T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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Ground section of bone stained with India ink to reveal small, open spaces in the bone. The more intense staining of osteons compared to interstitial lamellae reflects their lower mineralization (i.e., higher permeability to the dye).
Osteons (#1, #2 and #3) - cylindrical structures that are the structural unit of compact bone. They are arranged parallel to the lines of stress in a bone.
Haversian Lamellae - concentric layers of mineralized matrix that forms most of the osteon.
Lacunae - darkly stained, lenticular spaces in the mineralized matrix that contain an osteocyte.
Canaliculi - darkly stained, small channels that connect lacunae with each other. Osteocytes share nutrients by way of cellular processes that extend thru canaliculi.