Bone cells

Osteon (Haversian System)

Main structural unit; looks like a tree ring pattern; contains a central canal.

Lamellae

Concentric rings of bone matrix around the central canal.

Haversian (Central) Canal

Runs lengthwise; contains blood vessels and nerves.

Volkmann’s (Perforating) Canal

Runs perpendicular; connects blood and nerve supply between osteons.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue.

Lacunae

Small cavities where osteocytes live.

Canaliculi

Tiny channels that connect lacunae; allow nutrients and signals to pass between cells.

Osteoprogenitor cells

Stem cells that produce osteoblasts.

Osteoblasts

Build new bone matrix (bone-forming).

Osteocytes

Mature cells that maintain bone tissue.

Osteoclasts

Break down bone tissue (bone-resorbing).