Compact bone
Hard and strong layers (blood cells, blood vessels)
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is one of the two types of bone tissue found in the human body (the other being cancellous or spongy bone). Compact bone comprises the outer layer of most bones and is denser than cancellous bone due to the tightly packed arrangement of its osteocytes (bone cells) and the organic matrix (collagen fibers) between them.
The primary functions of compact bone are to provide strength, support, and protection to the body’s organs and tissues. It also serves as a reservoir for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are important for proper muscle and nerve function.
Under a microscope, compact bone appears as a series of concentric rings called lamellae that encircle a central canal called the Haversian canal. These canals contain blood vessels and nerves that transport oxygen, nutrients, and signals throughout the bone.
Additional structures found in compact bone include osteons, which are elongated cylindrical structures that consist of concentric lamellae and the Haversian canal. Additionally, Volkman canals, which are small channels that pass through bone tissue, enable blood vessels and nerves to connect with the Haversian canal and bone cells.
Overall, compact bone is an essential component of the skeletal system and is vital for proper body function.
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