Canaliculi
Canaliculi
Canaliculi (pronunciation: /kəˌnalɪˈkjuːlaɪ/), from the Latin canaliculus meaning "small canal or duct", are small, narrow, tube-like structures present in the bone tissue. They are part of the Haversian system, which is the fundamental functional unit of much compact bone.
Etymology
The term canaliculi is derived from the Latin canaliculus, which translates to "small canal or duct". It is a diminutive form of the Latin word canalis, meaning "channel".
Function
Canaliculi are essential for the nutrition of osteocytes, the cells that maintain the bone matrix. They provide a network for the exchange of nutrients and waste materials, connecting the osteocytes with the blood vessels in the Haversian canals.
Related Terms
- Osteocyte: A type of bone cell that maintains the bone tissue.
- Haversian system: The fundamental functional unit of much compact bone.
- Haversian canal: Any of the minute tubes that form a network in bone and contain blood vessels.
- Lacunae: Small cavities in bone that contain osteocytes.
- Osteon: The basic unit of structure of compact bone, comprising a Haversian canal and its concentrically arranged lamellae.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Canaliculi
- Wikipedia's article - Canaliculi
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