Haversian canal

[ huh-vur-zhuhn ]

noun

, (sometimes lowercase)

1. a microscopic channel in bone, through which a blood vessel runs.

Haversian canal

/ hæˈvɜːʃən /

noun

1. histology any of the channels that form a network in bone and contain blood vessels and nerves

Word History and Origins

Origin of Haversian canal¹

1835–45; named after Clopton Havers (died 1702), English anatomist; -ian

Word History and Origins

Origin of Haversian canal¹

C19: named after C. Havers (died 1702), English anatomist who discovered them

Example Sentences

The cells within the interior of the bone receive their nourishment from the small blood vessels in the Haversian canals.

From Project Gutenberg

The process may remain localised to the ossifying junction, but usually spreads along the medullary canal for a varying distance, and also extends to the periosteum by way of the enlarged Haversian canals.

From Project Gutenberg

A piece of bone undergoing rarefactive ostitis is redder than normal, and the openings of the Haversian canals are distinctly increased in size.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, it is true bone, but lacks the Haversian canals.

From Project Gutenberg

The lacunæ are arranged in circles around larger tubes, termed from their discoverer, Haversian canals, which serve as passages for the blood vessels that nourish the bone.

From Project Gutenberg