microscopic bone tissue

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering bone histology, long bone anatomy, bone markings, axial and appendicular skeletons, and major synovial articulations.

Periosteum

The most superficial, double-layered tissue layer of bone composed of dense irregular collagenous connective tissue; it is richly supplied with blood vessels and nerves, and its inner layer contains bone cells.

Perforating Fibers

Collagen fibers that anchor the periosteum securely to the deeper bone matrix.

Compact Bone

A dense type of osseous tissue constructed of osteons that enables bone to withstand significant stress and mechanical forces.

Spongy Bone

A non-weight-bearing, less densely packed osseous tissue composed of branching struts called trabeculae, which resist forces from multiple directions and protect bone marrow.

Osteon

The fundamental structural unit of compact bone (also known as a Haversian system), consisting of concentric lamellae surrounding a central canal.

Concentric Lamellae

Thin, circular layers of extracellular matrix within an osteon where collagen fibers of adjacent rings run in opposite directions to resist twisting and bending forces.

Central Canal

A passage in the center of an osteon containing blood vessels and nerves, lined with endosteum.

Lacunae

Small cavities situated between lamellae in bone tissue that house mature bone cells called osteocytes.

Canaliculi

Tiny passageways connecting lacunae that allow osteocyte extensions to make contact, permitting oxygen and nutrients to diffuse to every osteocyte.

Interstitial Lamellae

Layers of bone matrix located between osteons that represent remnants of older, degraded osteons.

Circumferential Lamellae

Outer and inner layers of lamellae situated just deep to the periosteum and superficial to spongy bone that provide added strength and tension resistance.

Perforating Canals (Volkmann's Canals)

Perpendicular channels that connect central canals of adjacent osteons, delivering blood vessels and nerves from the periosteum.

Trabeculae

Branching bony struts found in spongy bone that are covered in endosteum and composed of concentric lamellae containing osteocytes in lacunae, lacking osteons.

Red Bone Marrow

Marrow composed of loose connective tissue supporting blood-forming hematopoietic cells that produce all cellular components of blood.

Yellow Bone Marrow

Marrow consisting primarily of adipocytes and blood vessels that functions in triglyceride storage.