Bone lacuna and canaliculi from a fractured compact bone, scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Bone lacunae (upper mid region of photo) are bone caviti
Bone lacuna and canaliculi from a fractured compact bone, scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Bone lacunae (upper mid region of photo) are bone cavities that are formed by osteoblasts (bone-producing cells). During bone formation osteoblasts become progressively trapped in the bone matrix at sites called lacunae. The osteoblast produces osteoid, the organic bone matrix that is a mass of collagen fibres and glycoprotein cement. As soon as osteoid is formed, calcium salts crystallize inside it to form mineralized, compact bone (seen here). Osteoblasts that become trapped in lacunae in the bone become osteocytes. The osteocyte has many processes or thread-like extensions that enter the bone through the bone canaliculi, a network of minute channels linking nearby lacunae. Compact bone is made of collagen fibres and ground substances arranged in concentric sheets. Magnification: x2,600 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.
Size: 2726px × 3206px
Photo credit: © DENNIS KUNKEL MICROSCOPY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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