EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -compact bone, also called cortical bone, dense bone in which the bony matrix is solidly filled with organic ground substance and inorganic salts, leaving only tiny spaces (lacunae) that contain the osteocytes, or bone cells.

Detailed explanation-2: -The structural units of human compact bone are osteons, which are elongated cylinders. Acting as weight-bearing pillars, osteons can withstand high levels of mechanical stress. At the osteon’s center is a hollow canal that acts as a central passageway for blood vessels and nerves.

Detailed explanation-3: -Compact bone (or cortical bone) forms the hard external layer of all bones and surrounds the medullary cavity, or bone marrow. It provides protection and strength to bones. Compact bone tissue consists of units called osteons or Haversian systems.

Detailed explanation-4: -The osteon is the functional unit of compact bone. In order to withstand stress, the osteon is formed by the osteocytes to be tiny weight-bearing pillars. Think of a lighthouse. It is wider at the base for stability and tapers as it goes higher.