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Journal of morphology2004; 262(2); 546-565; doi: 10.1002/jmor.10282

Structure of long bones in mammals.

Abstract: Techniques for staining (silver, osmium, metal sulfides, ink) and microphotography (epi-illumination) of polished bone surfaces have been developed to visualize the three-dimensional structure of the shafts of mammalian long bones. Bone is a two-compartment system with capillaries and some kinds of connective tissue in one compartment separated from fibers of bone collagen, often forming lamellae, in the other. Laminar bone consists of stacks of lamellae separated by vascular spaces containing capillary network sheets. It is deposited at the periosteal and endosteal surfaces. Osteonic bone, well described in the literature, consists of cylinders of lamellae with central vascular spaces. The primary structure of the shafts of mammalian long bones is laminar and laminae often remain as the main component. Secondary osteons are a replacement within laminae. As laminar bones mature, some of the irregular longitudinal capillary spaces in the network sheets enlarge and become less crooked to form secondary osteons. Parts of the random networks become ordered longitudinal ones, resulting in collapse of those network spaces not converted to osteons. The residual capillaries become bloodless, making the surviving network spaces difficult to resolve. This may account for them being overlooked in descriptions of bone structure. For example, laminar bone occurs with osteonic bone in the human femur, although it is rarely figured. Nearly mature bones switch the kind of primary bone deposited at the peripheral (periosteal) surface from laminar to primary osteonic.
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Publication Date: 2004-09-18 PubMed ID: 15376271DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10282Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study presents an analysis of the structure of mammalian long bones, explaining the primary and secondary structures, bone composition, and the process of maturation. The researchers utilized staining techniques and microphotography to better visually understand the three-dimensional structure and changes that occur in the bone structure over time.

Methodology

  • The researchers employed different staining techniques, including silver, osmium, and metal sulfides to provide a clearer view of the bone structure.
  • Microphotography using epi-illumination was used to visualize the three-dimensional structure of the polished bone surfaces.

Bone Structure

  • Bones are described as a two-compartment system, composed of capillaries and certain types of connective tissue in one section, while the other part contains bone collagen fibers which often form into lamellae.
  • The primary structure of long mammalian bones is described as laminar, and lamellae usually remain as the major component. Secondary osteons emerge as a replacement within the laminae.

Changes with Maturation

  • As laminar bones mature, alterations occur in the structure, including the enlargement and straightening of the originally irregular longitudinal capillary spaces within the network sheets to form secondary osteons.
  • Random networks become ordered longitudinal ones, causing the collapse of network spaces that are not converted into osteons. The remaining capillaries become bloodless, which makes the surviving network spaces hard to distinguish.
  • Nearly mature bones switch the primary bone deposited at the peripheral surface from laminar to primary osteonic.

Findings and Further Research

  • The research found that certain bone structure characteristics, like the presence of laminar bone along with osteonic bone in the human femur, tend to be overlooked or underrepresented in many descriptions of bone structure.
  • Further studies can focus on these previously overlooked aspects of bone structure for a more comprehensive understanding.

Cite This Article

APA
Locke M. (2004). Structure of long bones in mammals. J Morphol, 262(2), 546-565. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmor.10282

Publication

Journal of morphology
ISSN: 0362-2525
NlmUniqueID: 0406125
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 262
Issue: 2
Pages: 546-565

Researcher Affiliations

Locke, Michael
  • Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada. mlocke@uwo.ca

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Female
  • Femur / anatomy & histology
  • Femur / blood supply
  • Haversian System / anatomy & histology
  • Horses / anatomy & histology
  • Humans
  • Humerus / anatomy & histology
  • Humerus / blood supply
  • Mammals / anatomy & histology
  • Middle Aged
  • Osmium Tetroxide
  • Ruminants / anatomy & histology
  • Silver Staining / methods
  • Staining and Labeling / methods
  • Tissue Fixation

Citations

This article has been cited 24 times.
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