Microscopic Anatomy of Bone

Where are the spongy and compact bones found?

Compact bones are found under periosteum. At the ends, you can find spongy bones (beneath compact).

Periosteum

Outer layer made of tough connective tissue. Location of muscle attachment and bone repair.

Spongy bones

Lattice of trabeculae (found on lines of stress). Marrow/blood vessels are inside the spaces of trabeculae.

Compact boens

Arranged in cylinders (osteons).

Osteons

arranged in concentric circles (lamellae).

Lamellae

Surround central (Haversian) canal that contains blood vessels.

Central canals

Connected by perforating (Volmann’s) canals.

Osteocytes

Most common, mature bone cells that make up majority of bone, connected w/ canaliculi.

Osteoclasts

Breaks down bone.

Osteoblasts

Build/produce bone

Canaliculi

Connects all bone cells, allowing them to receive nutrients and remove wastes