Haversian system of compact bone and comparison between endosteal and periosteal sides using three-dimensional reconstruction in rat / 대한해부학회지

The current model of compact bone is that of a system of Haversian (longitudinal) canals connected by Volkmann's (transverse) canals. Models based on either histology or microcomputed tomography do not accurately represent the morphologic detail and microstructure of this system, especially that of the canal networks and their spatial relationships. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the morphologic pattern and network of the Haversian system and to compare endosteal and periosteal sides in rats using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. Ten Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8-10 weeks were used. The femurs were harvested from each rat and fixed, decalcified with 10% EDTA-2Na, serially sectioned at a thickness of 5 microm, and then stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The serial sections were reconstructed three-dimensionally using Reconstruct software. The Haversian canals in the endosteal region were found to be large, highly interconnected, irregular, and close to neighboring canals. In contrast, the canals in the periosteal region were straight and small. This combined application of 3D reconstruction and histology examinations to the Haversian system has confirmed its microstructure, showing a branched network pattern on the endosteal side but not on the periosteal side.

An innovative approach for manual preparation of slides of compact bone tissue.

Background: Bone is a rigid form of connective tissue in which the extracellular matrix is impregnated with inorganic salts, mainly calcium phosphate and carbonate, that provide hardness. Because of its hardness, bone is difficult to cut in the microtome; therefore, special techniques must be used for its study. Methods: Grinding of transverse sections of compact bone was done by using flint paper (size 0) which is simple, extremely cheap, rapid and easily available. Results: Under low power magnification, we observed a complete haversian system with volkmann’s canal and interstitial lamellae. Conclusions: This method of preparation of ground bone slides is not only helpful to undergraduate and post graduate students but also to osteoarchaeologists, palaeopathologists and forensic anthropologists.