Canaliculi

Definition

Canaliculi are microscopic channels found within the bone tissue that allow for communication and nutrient exchange between bone cells. They connect the lacunae, which house osteocytes, to each other and to larger blood vessels.

Related terms

Osteocytes:

Mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue and reside within lacunae.

Lacunae:

Small cavities in bone tissue that house osteocytes.

Osteon: The fundamental functional unit of compact bone, consisting of concentric layers of calcified matrix surrounding a central canal