If you’re wondering, “What is a lacunae in anatomy?” you’ve come to the right place. Lacunae are cell-shaped empty spaces that provide a habitat for bone cells called osteoeocytes. These cells are embedded in bone matrix, performing functions including regulation of skeletal homeostasis, mechanotransduction, and secretion of factors that target distant organs.
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Trabecular lacunae
In a young person’s trabecular bone, calcified cartilage can be seen. The cartilage is the remnant of the scaffold used for depositing bone matrix during trabeculae formation. This calcified cartilage will eventually disintegrate with bone reorganisation. Drawings of trabecular bone should be made at low and high magnification. It is important to show the marrow detail.
Concentric lamellae
What are the different types of lamellae in bone? Osteons are the major type of lamella in compact bone. They are arranged in layers with canaliculi that allow nutrients to diffuse. Some of these lamellae are interstitial, where osteocytes reside in their own small space. They make contact with each other via canaliculi that run in the matrix, facilitating a fluid exchange of nutrients. In addition to their function in skeletal development, they also contain collagen fibers that run parallel.
Osteocyte lacunae
What is the function of lacunae? These small spaces present in cartilage and bone provide a home for osteocytes, which maintain bone mass. Osteocytes are the cells that make up bone. Ultimately, the lacunae are necessary for the proper functioning of osteocytes and bone. If you’re unsure about the importance of lacunae in bone and cartilage anatomy, consider these benefits:
Mesenchymal cells
A mesenchymal cell is a kind of cell that contains lacunae. These are spaces within cells that are responsible for storing cellular materials. Chondroblasts are mesenchymal progenitor cells found in the growing cartilage matrix. These cells contain euchromatic nuclei and stain with basic dyes. Unlike epithelial cells, chondroblasts do not form lacunae in anatomy.
Cartilage
The name “cartilage lacunae” refers to the cavities in the cartilage that contain the cells that make up the cartilage. They are surrounded by a matrix of calcified cells called the perichondrium. Some lacunae are organized in pairs, while others contain two, four, or eight cells. The lamellae are narrow sheets of matrix that enclose the lacunae.
Bone structure
Lacunae in bone structure are spaces where bones are made of living cells called osteocytes. These cells are contained within layers of bone, but need a way to receive nutrients and communicate with other cells. These cells also extend fine cellular processes through canaliculi, which are the tiny, black canals extending perpendicularly from the lacunae. In addition to providing nutrients, osteocytes play a vital role in bone repair and regeneration.
Bone metabolism
The role of osteocyte lacunae in bone metabolism is poorly understood. The growth and differentiation of osteocytes is required for osteoblast-mediated bone remodeling. Osteocyte lacunae may also play a role in the regulation of mineral metabolism. Measurements of osteocyte lacunar density were performed using stained ground specimens. The cortical compartment was further subdivided into eight measuring fields per bone area. The number of osteocyte lacunae per area was calculated using the Bonferroni correction method.
