Which canal connects the circulatory systems of adjacent osteons and runs transversely to the central canal?

Which canal connects the circulatory systems of adjacent osteons and runs transversely to the central canal?

• A. Central canal
• B. Volkmann's canal
• C. Haversian canal
• D. Perforating canal

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how blood vessels travel through bone to reach all osteons. Each osteon has a central canal (the Haversian canal) that runs along its length and carries vessels within that osteon. However, to connect the circulatory systems of neighboring osteons, vessels use Volkmann’s canals, also known as perforating canals. These run perpendicular to the central canals and link adjacent osteons’ vascular networks, sometimes connecting to the periosteum as well. So, while the central (Haversian) canal stays with its own osteon, the transverse channels—Volkmann’s perforating canals—bridge between osteons to distribute blood supply throughout the bone.

The key idea is how blood vessels travel through bone to reach all osteons. Each osteon has a central canal (the Haversian canal) that runs along its length and carries vessels within that osteon. However, to connect the circulatory systems of neighboring osteons, vessels use Volkmann’s canals, also known as perforating canals. These run perpendicular to the central canals and link adjacent osteons’ vascular networks, sometimes connecting to the periosteum as well. So, while the central (Haversian) canal stays with its own osteon, the transverse channels—Volkmann’s perforating canals—bridge between osteons to distribute blood supply throughout the bone.