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In osteology, the osteon or haversian system (həˈvɝ.ʒən; named for Clopton Havers) is the fundamental functional unit of much compact bone. Osteons are roughly cylindrical structures that are typically between 0.25 mm and 0.35 mm in diameter. Their length is often hard to define, but estimates vary from several millimeters to around 1 centimeter. They are present in many bones of most mammals and some bird, reptile, and amphibian species. Each osteon consists of concentric layers, or lamellae, of compact bone tissue that surround a central canal, the haversian canal. The haversian canal contains the bone's blood supplies. The boundary of an osteon is the cement line. Each haversian canal is surrounded by varying number (5-20) of concentrically arranged lamellae of bone matrix. Near the surface of the compact bone, the lamellae are arranged parallel to the surface; these are called circumferential lamellae. Some of the osteoblasts develop into osteocytes, each living within its own small space, or lacuna. Osteocytes make contact with the cytoplasmic processes of their counterparts via a network of small transverse canals, or canaliculi. This network facilitates the exchange of nutrients and metabolic waste. Collagen fibers in a particular lamella run parallel to each other, but the orientation of collagen fibers within other lamellae is oblique. The collagen fiber density is lowest at the seams between lamellae, accounting for the distinctive microscopic appearance of a transverse section of osteons. The space between osteons is occupied by interstitial lamellae, which are the remnants of osteons that were partially resorbed during the process of bone remodeling. Osteons are connected to each other and the periosteum by oblique channels called Volkmann's canals or perforating canals. Drifting osteons are a phenomenon that is not fully understood. A "drifting osteon" is classified as one that runs both longitudinally as well as transversely through the cortex.

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Bone remodeling

Bone remodeling (or bone metabolism) is a lifelong process where mature bone tissue is removed from the skeleton (a process called bone resorption) and new bone tissue is formed (a process called ossification or new bone formation). These processes also control the reshaping or replacement of bone following injuries like fractures but also micro-damage, which occurs during normal activity. Remodeling responds also to functional demands of the mechanical loading. In the first year of life, almost 100% of the skeleton is replaced.

Bone resorption

Bone resorption is resorption of bone tissue, that is, the process by which osteoclasts break down the tissue in bones and release the minerals, resulting in a transfer of calcium from bone tissue to the blood. The osteoclasts are multi-nucleated cells that contain numerous mitochondria and lysosomes. These are the cells responsible for the resorption of bone. Osteoblasts are generally present on the outer layer of bone, just beneath the periosteum. Attachment of the osteoclast to the osteon begins the process.

Osteology

Osteology () is the scientific study of bones, practised by osteologists. A subdiscipline of anatomy, anthropology, and paleontology, osteology is the detailed study of the structure of bones, skeletal elements, teeth, microbone morphology, function, disease, pathology, the process of ossification (from cartilaginous molds), and the resistance and hardness of bones (biophysics). Osteologists frequently work in the public and private sector as consultants for museums, scientists for research laboratories, scientists for medical investigations and/or for companies producing osteological reproductions in an academic context.

Bone orientation and position estimation errors using Cosserat point elements and least squares methods: Application to gait

Kamiar Aminian, Arnaud Barré

The aim of this study was to analyze the accuracy of bone pose estimation based on sub-clusters of three skin-markers characterized by triangular Cosserat point elements (TCPEs) and to evaluate the capability of four instantaneous physical parameters, whic ...

Elsevier2017

Development of a Bisphosphonate Delivering Hydrogel for the Augmentation of Impaired Peri-Implant Bone

Ulrike Kettenberger

Osteoporosis is a major health problem in our aging society. This metabolic disease, which is characterized by a deterioration of the bone microarchitecture and a significant loss of bone mass, is affecting a rising number of mostly elderly patients. The m ...

EPFL2014

Cement distribution in vertebroplasties: imaging and simulation

Vincent Stadelmann

Prophylactic vertebroplasty, the percutaneous injection of bone cement into a weak vertebral body (VB), has been shown to reinforce the bone and possibly to minimize fracture risks. Cement leakage is still a common occurrence that can cause severe complica ...

2012

Functional Anatomy: Bone Structure and Mechanical Properties ME-482: Biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system

Explores bone functional anatomy, including structure, support, and protection, as well as cartilage and ligament biomechanics.