What is the name of the basic functional unit of compact bone, consisting of concentric lamellae surrounding a central canal?

What is the name of the basic functional unit of compact bone, consisting of concentric lamellae surrounding a central canal?

• A. Spongy bone
• B. Central canal
• C. Osteon (Haversian system)
• D. Trabecula

Answer: (C)

The basic functional unit of compact bone is the osteon, also known as the Haversian system. It consists of concentric lamellae of bone matrix arranged around a central (Haversian) canal that contains blood vessels and nerves. Osteocytes sit in lacunae between lamellae and connect through gap junctions via canaliculi, enabling nutrient and waste exchange. This tightly organized structure provides both strength and a built-in blood supply for the bone. Spongy bone is made of trabeculae and does not form osteons; the central canal is a feature inside an osteon, and trabeculae are the latticework of cancellous bone.

The basic functional unit of compact bone is the osteon, also known as the Haversian system. It consists of concentric lamellae of bone matrix arranged around a central (Haversian) canal that contains blood vessels and nerves. Osteocytes sit in lacunae between lamellae and connect through gap junctions via canaliculi, enabling nutrient and waste exchange. This tightly organized structure provides both strength and a built-in blood supply for the bone. Spongy bone is made of trabeculae and does not form osteons; the central canal is a feature inside an osteon, and trabeculae are the latticework of cancellous bone.