Dimensional Reconstruction of Haversian Systems in Human
Journal of Anatomy J. Anat. (2016) doi: 10.1111/joa.12430 Three-dimensional reconstruction of Haversian systems in human cortical bone using synchrotron radiation-based micro-CT: morphology and quantification of branching and transverse connections across age Isabel S. Maggiano,1,2 Corey M. Maggiano,2,3 John G. Clement,4 C. David L. Thomas,4 Yasmin Carter5 and David M. L. Cooper1 1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada 2Department of Anthropology, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA, USA 3Department of Anthropology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada 4Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia 5Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester, MA, USA Abstract This study uses synchrotron radiation-based micro-computed tomography (CT) scans to reconstruct three- dimensional networks of Haversian systems in human cortical bone in order to observe and analyse interconnectivity of Haversian systems and the development of total Haversian networks across different ages. A better knowledge of how Haversian systems interact with each other is essential to improve understanding of remodeling mechanisms and bone maintenance; however, previous methodological approaches (e.g. serial sections) did not reveal enough detail to follow the specific morphology of Haversian branching, for example. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to identify the morphological diversity of branching patterns and transverse connections, and to understand how they change with age. Two types of branching morphologies were identified: lateral branching, resulting in small osteon branches bifurcating off of larger Haversian canals; and dichotomous branching, the formation of two new osteonal branches from one.
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