In a bone histology slide, the central canal contains which structures?

In a bone histology slide, the central canal contains which structures?

• A. Blood vessels and nerves
• B. Nerve fibers only
• C. Bone marrow
• D. Osteocytes

Answer: (A)

Central canals, or Haversian canals, are the vertical channels inside each osteon of compact bone. They contain the blood vessels that deliver nutrients and remove wastes, and they also carry nerve fibers to supply the bone tissue. The osteocytes themselves sit in lacunae between the concentric lamellae and communicate through canaliculi, not in the central canal. Bone marrow, by contrast, is housed in the medullary cavity or in the spaces of spongy bone, not inside the central canal. Perforating (Volkmann’s) canals connect adjacent central canals and help link the blood supply from the periosteum to the osteons.

Central canals, or Haversian canals, are the vertical channels inside each osteon of compact bone. They contain the blood vessels that deliver nutrients and remove wastes, and they also carry nerve fibers to supply the bone tissue. The osteocytes themselves sit in lacunae between the concentric lamellae and communicate through canaliculi, not in the central canal. Bone marrow, by contrast, is housed in the medullary cavity or in the spaces of spongy bone, not inside the central canal. Perforating (Volkmann’s) canals connect adjacent central canals and help link the blood supply from the periosteum to the osteons.