OSTEONS Meaning and
Definition
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Osteons are structural units found in compact bone, which form the dense outer layer of bones. They are cylindrical structures made up of concentric rings or layers of bone tissue called lamellae. Each osteon consists of a central canal, known as the Haversian canal, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Surrounding the central canal are multiple layers of lamellae, which are arranged parallel to the long axis of the bone.
Each lamella is composed of collagen fibers and mineralized matrix, predominantly made of calcium phosphate. The collagen fibers are arranged in a specific pattern, providing strength and rigidity to the bone. Between each lamella, small spaces called lacunae are present, which house bone cells called osteocytes. Osteocytes are connected to each other and to the central canal through tiny channels known as canaliculi.
Osteons play a crucial role in maintaining the overall structure and strength of compact bone. They provide support, protect underlying tissues, resist mechanical stress, and aid in the transportation of nutrients and waste products through blood vessels. Osteons are constantly remodelled throughout life through a process called bone remodeling, which involves the resorption and formation of bone tissue to maintain bone health and adapt to changing mechanical demands.
Understanding the structure and function of osteons is important in various fields, including orthopedics, anatomy, and paleontology, as it helps in diagnosing bone diseases, studying bone physiology, and analyzing the evolution of different species.
Common Misspellings for OSTEONS
- isteons
- ksteons
- lsteons
- psteons
- 0steons
- 9steons
- oateons
- ozteons
- oxteons
- odteons
- oeteons
- owteons
- osreons
- osfeons
- osgeons
- osyeons
- os6eons
- os5eons
- ostwons
- ostsons
Etymology of OSTEONS
The word "osteons" is derived from the Greek term "osteon" (also spelled "osteōn"), which means "bone". The term "osteon" is itself derived from the Greek word "ostos", meaning "bone" or "calcium". In the field of anatomy and histology, "osteons" refer to the fundamental functional units of compact bone tissue.
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