The basic unit of compact bone, consisting of tightly packed concentric rings of tissue with a blood vessel running through the central canal

OSS-tee-on Concentric circles of osteocytes in bone. 688

(OHS-tee-on) An organized arrangement of bone tissue in adult compact bone such that the bone matrix concentrically surrounds a central canal containing a blood vessel. Also called a Haversian system.

structural unit of bone in advanced vertebrates, consisting of concentric rings of osteocytes in an apatite matrix around a central canal, through which pass nerves, blood and lymphatic vessels. Osteons are cross connected at intervals by lateral Volkmann's canals which allow lateral connections of circulatory vessels or nerves.

Structural unit in mature bone consisting of concentric layers of bone lamellae around the central canal

Osteons (also called Haversian system in honor of Clopton Havers) are predominant structures found in some lamellar or compact bone. Osteons are found in many of the bones of many mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians running in a meandering way but generally parallel to the long axis of bones. It is this section of compact bone that is called matrix.