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Histomorphometric assessment of Haversian canal and osteocyte lacunae in different-sized osteons in human rib

  1. Shijing Qiu1,
  2. David P. Fyhrie2,
  3. Saroj Palnitkar1,
  4. D. Sudhaker Rao1,†,*

Article first published online: 15 APR 2003

DOI: 10.1002/ar.a.10058

Issue

The Anatomical Record Part A: Discoveries in Molecular, Cellular, and Evolutionary Biology

The Anatomical Record Part A: Discoveries in Molecular, Cellular, and Evolutionary Biology

Volume 272A, Issue 2, pages 520–525, June 2003

Additional Information

How to Cite

Qiu, S., Fyhrie, D. P., Palnitkar, S. and Rao, D. S. (2003), Histomorphometric assessment of Haversian canal and osteocyte lacunae in different-sized osteons in human rib. Anat. Rec., 272A: 520–525. doi: 10.1002/ar.a.10058

Author Information

  1. 1

    Bone and Mineral Research Laboratory, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan

  2. 2

    Bone and Joint Center, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan

  1. †

    Fax: (313) 916-8201

*Bone and Mineral Research Laboratory, E&R Building 7071, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 15 APR 2003
  2. Article first published online: 15 APR 2003
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 18 FEB 2003
  4. Manuscript Received: 31 AUG 2002

Funded by

  • National Institutes of Health. Grant Number: DK43858

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Keywords:

  • osteon;
  • Haversian canal;
  • osteocyte lacunae;
  • anatomical correlation

Abstract

There is no detailed information available concerning the variations in bone, the Haversian canal, and osteocyte populations in different-sized osteons. In this study a total of 398 secondary osteons were measured in archived rib sections from nine white men (20–25 years old). The sections were stained with basic fuchsin. The parameters included the osteon area (On.Ar), Haversian canal area (HC.Ar) and perimeter (HC.Pm), bone area (B.Ar), and osteocyte lacunar number (Lc.N). From these primary measurements the following indices were deduced: 1) lacunar number per bone area (Lc.N/B.Ar) and per osteon (Lc.N/On); 2) the ratio between Haversian canal perimeter and bone area (HC.Pm/B.Ar); and 3) the fraction of Haversian canal area (HC.Ar/On.Ar) and its complement, the fraction of bone area (B.Ar/On.Ar). The results showed that the osteons varied greatly in size, but very little in the fraction of bone area. Regression analyses showed that HC.Ar, HC.Pm, and Lc.N/On were positively associated with On.Ar (P < 0.001 for all). A significant negative correlation was found between On.Ar and Lc.N/B.Ar (P < 0.05) and HC.Pm/B.Ar (P < 0.0001). HC.Ar and HC.Pm increased significantly with increasing Lc.N/On (both P < 0.0001) rather than Lc.N/B.Ar. Lc.N/B.Ar had a significant positive correlation with HC.Ar/On.Ar (P < 0.05) and HC.Pm/B.Ar (P < 0.01). We conclude that: 1) the size of the osteon is determined by the quantum of bone removed by osteoclasts, 2) the osteon is well designed for molecular exchange, and 3) a well designed osteon may be produced via the regulation of bone apposition by osteocytes during the process of osteon refilling. Anat Rec Part A 272A:520–525, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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