Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
04:32
Dissection, MicroCT Scanning and Morphometric Analyses of the Baculum
Published on: March 19, 2017
Spatial organization of the haversian bone in man
1Department of Structural Mechanics and Biomechanics, Czech Technical Universi
Journal of Biomechanics
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Human long bone osteons form helical systems, adapting to functional stresses. This study reveals a direct correlation between bone loading and osteon orientation, supporting functional adaptation in haversian bone architecture.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Skeletal Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Human long bones exhibit unique osteon arrangements in helical, antirotary systems.
- This architecture is hypothesized to be a functional adaptation linked to stress orientation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between osteon orientation and principal stress directions in human long bones.
- To test the hypothesis that bone architecture is a direct result of mechanical loading.
Main Methods:
- Developed a macroscopic India-ink filling technique to visualize haversian bone architecture.
- Analyzed osteon orientation in normal and atypical femurs.
- Compared observed osteon directions with analytically determined principal stresses in a cylindrical bone model under combined loading (bending, torsion, compression).
Main Results:
- Osteon orientation in the femur diaphysis directly corresponded to the direction of first principal stresses under specific loading conditions (medial bending, external rotation).
- Opposite oblique orientations of osteons and stresses were observed in medial and lateral bone walls.
- Atypical femurs showed longitudinal or 90-degree rotated osteonal orientations, correlating with unloaded or anteriorly convex states.
Conclusions:
- The study supports a causal link between loading mode and dominant osteonal direction in human long bones.
- Haversian bone organization is presented as a prime example of functional adaptation to mechanical forces.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:55Bone Structure
Within the skeletal system, the structure of a bone, or osseous tissue, can be exemplified in a long bone, like the femur, where there are two types of osseous tissue: cortical and cancellous.
01:23Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue
Bone tissue forms the internal skeleton of vertebrate animals, providing structure to the body.
Bone Matrix
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that has a large amount of two different types of matrix material. The organic matrix is similar to the matrix material found in other connective tissues, including some amount of collagen and elastic fibers. This gives strength and flexibility to the tissue. The inorganic matrix consists of mineral salts— mostly calcium salts— that give the...
Bone Matrix
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that has a large amount of two different types of matrix material. The organic matrix is similar to the matrix material found in other connective tissues, including some amount of collagen and elastic fibers. This gives strength and flexibility to the tissue. The inorganic matrix consists of mineral salts— mostly calcium salts— that give the...
01:18Classification of Bones
The bones of the human skeletal system are of varied shapes, sizes, and functions. They can be classified based on their shape and function into four major classes: long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones. Some classifications include a fifth type, the sesamoid bones, as a separate class, whereas others categorize them under short bones.
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...
01:17Gross Anatomy of Bone
The two main features of a long bone are the diaphysis and the epiphysis.
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone. The walls of the diaphysis are composed of dense and hard compact bone made of numerous osteons — the functional unit of the compact bone. The hollow region in the diaphysis is called the medullary cavity, which harbors the bone marrow. In infants and children, this marrow cavity is filled with red marrow, whereas in adults, it...
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone. The walls of the diaphysis are composed of dense and hard compact bone made of numerous osteons — the functional unit of the compact bone. The hollow region in the diaphysis is called the medullary cavity, which harbors the bone marrow. In infants and children, this marrow cavity is filled with red marrow, whereas in adults, it...
01:27Compact Bone
Most bones contain compact and spongy osseous tissue, but their distribution and concentration vary based on the bone's overall function.
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
01:09Spongy Bone
All bones comprise an outer layer of compact bone, and an interior made up of spongy bone tissue, also called cancellous or trabecular bone. In long bones, spongy bone tissue is mainly found in the interior of the epiphyses (broad ends of the bone).
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...