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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Osteon & Haversian System: Osteon Labeling Quiz

Quick, free compact bone quiz to check your understanding. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Kath PurdyUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of stylized bone cross section showing osteon rings and Haversian canals on coral background

This quiz helps you practice the osteon and Haversian system so you can spot lamellae, lacunae, canaliculi, and Haversian canals with confidence. For extra practice, see the bone histology quiz, reinforce with the compact bone quiz, or go bigger with the skeletal system labeling quiz.

What is the basic structural unit of compact bone?
Osteon
Lacuna
Haversian canal
Trabecula
An osteon, or Haversian system, is the cylindrical unit of compact bone composed of concentric lamellae. Lacunae are small spaces housing osteocytes within lamellae. The Haversian canal is the central channel in an osteon. See more at .
Which cell is found trapped within lacunae of bone tissue?
Osteocyte
Osteoclast
Osteoblast
Chondrocyte
Osteocytes are mature bone cells that reside in lacunae and maintain the bone matrix. Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells found on surfaces, not in lacunae. Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells located near bone surfaces. More details at .
What structure connects lacunae and allows nutrient exchange in bone?
Perforations
Canaliculi
Lamellae
Volkmann's canals
Canaliculi are microscopic channels that connect lacunae, permitting nutrient and waste exchange via osteocyte processes. Volkmann's canals run transverse to Haversian canals and carry blood vessels between osteons. Lamellae are layers of bone matrix. Learn more at .
Which canal runs longitudinally through the center of an osteon?
Volkmann's canal
Haversian canal
Eustachian canal
Osteocytic canal
The Haversian canal runs along the long axis of each osteon and contains blood vessels and nerves. Volkmann's canals run perpendicular, linking Haversian canals. The other terms are not correct bone structures. See .
What are concentric rings of bone matrix called?
Lamellae
Cement lines
Fibrils
Trabeculae
Concentric lamellae are layers of mineralized matrix that surround the Haversian canal in an osteon. Trabeculae are struts of spongy bone. Cement lines are the boundaries between osteons and interstitial lamellae. Review at .
Which membrane lines the inner surfaces of bone canals?
Perichondrium
Periosteum
Perimysium
Endosteum
The endosteum is a thin membrane lining the inner surfaces of bone, including Haversian and Volkmann's canals. The periosteum covers the outer bone surface. Perichondrium and perimysium are related to cartilage and muscle, respectively. More at .
Which bone cell type is responsible for bone resorption?
Osteoclast
Osteocyte
Osteoblast
Chondroblast
Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells that break down bone matrix during remodeling. Osteoblasts build matrix, and osteocytes maintain it. Chondroblasts form cartilage. For more, see .
What is the outer fibrous layer of bone called?
Endosteum
Periosteum
Perimysium
Perichondrium
The periosteum is a dense, fibrous membrane covering the outer surface of bone. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and osteogenic cells. Endosteum lines internal surfaces. More details at .
What is the term for the spaces that house osteocytes?
Trabeculae
Lamellae
Lacunae
Canaliculi
Lacunae are small cavities in bone matrix containing osteocytes. Canaliculi are tiny canals connecting lacunae. Lamellae are layers of matrix, and trabeculae form spongy bone. See .
Which type of bone has a porous, spongy appearance?
Cancellous bone
Woven bone
Compact bone
Lamellar bone
Cancellous (spongy) bone is porous and located at the ends of long bones and inside vertebrae. Compact bone is dense and forms the outer shell. Woven bone is immature bone found in development or repair. More at .
What is the name of the central canal that contains blood vessels in an osteon?
Harvey's canal
Haversian canal
Rete canal
Volkmann's canal
The Haversian canal runs centrally in each osteon, housing blood vessels and nerves. Volkmann's canals connect Haversian canals transversely. The other names are not used in bone histology. Reference: .
Which hormone increases bone resorption by activating osteoclasts?
Calcitonin
Estrogen
Growth hormone
Parathyroid hormone
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates osteoclast activity indirectly to increase blood calcium levels. Calcitonin inhibits osteoclasts. Estrogen and growth hormone have anabolic or regulatory roles. See .
What type of bone growth occurs at the epiphyseal plate?
Longitudinal growth
Interstitial growth
Appositional growth
Mosaic growth
Longitudinal bone growth happens at the epiphyseal (growth) plate via cartilage proliferation and ossification. Appositional growth increases thickness at bone surfaces. The others are not standard terms for long bone elongation. More at .
Which zone of the epiphyseal plate is closest to the epiphysis?
Resting (reserve) zone
Hypertrophic zone
Calcification zone
Proliferative zone
The resting zone lies nearest the epiphysis and contains small, inactive chondrocytes. Below it are the proliferative, hypertrophic, and calcification zones. Each zone reflects a stage in endochondral ossification. Details at .
What is the primary inorganic component of bone matrix?
Proteoglycan
Hydroxyapatite
Chondroitin sulfate
Collagen
Hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] is the main mineral in bone matrix, giving it hardness. Collagen is the primary organic component. Proteoglycans and chondroitin sulfate are more abundant in cartilage. For reference: .
Which cells synthesize the organic components of bone matrix?
Osteoclasts
Osteocytes
Chondrocytes
Osteoblasts
Osteoblasts produce osteoid, the organic matrix of bone rich in collagen. Osteoclasts resorb bone, and osteocytes maintain it. Chondrocytes form cartilage. More information at .
What is the term for bone formation from a cartilage template?
Endochondral ossification
Intramembranous ossification
Appositional ossification
Transmembranous ossification
Endochondral ossification involves replacing a hyaline cartilage model with bone, essential for long bone development. Intramembranous ossification forms bone directly from mesenchyme. The other terms are not accurate processes. See .
Which lamellae lie between intact osteons and are remnants of older osteons?
Interstitial lamellae
Primary lamellae
Concentric lamellae
Circumferential lamellae
Interstitial lamellae fill the spaces between osteons and are fragments of old osteons. Concentric lamellae encircle a Haversian canal. Circumferential lamellae surround the entire bone shaft. See .
What are the outermost lamellae just beneath the periosteum called?
Inner circumferential lamellae
Superficial lamellae
Periosteal lamellae
Outer circumferential lamellae
Outer circumferential lamellae encircle the entire bone just beneath the periosteum. Inner circumferential lamellae line the medullary cavity. The other terms are not standard. More at .
Which growth factor stored in the bone matrix regulates osteoblast proliferation?
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-?)
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)
Bone morphogenetic proteins in the matrix induce osteoblast differentiation and proliferation. IGF-1, FGF, and TGF-? also influence bone cells but BMPs are most directly tied to bone formation. Learn more at .
In compact bone remodeling, what structure forms first during resorption?
Resorption bay (Howship's lacuna)
Osteoid seam
Closing cone
Cutting cone
The resorption bay (Howship's lacuna) is dug by osteoclasts first. The cutting cone is the advancing front of resorption but the bay is initial. Osteoid seam and closing cone come later in formation. See .
Which type of osteon is characterized by incomplete concentric lamellae in young bone?
Tertiary osteon
Quaternary osteon
Primary osteon
Secondary osteon
Primary osteons form during initial bone formation and may have incomplete lamellae around a central vessel. Secondary osteons replace older bone via remodeling. The other terms are not used. More at .
What term describes the boundary line between a secondary osteon and surrounding bone?
Cement line
Growth line
Rest line
Lamellar line
A cement line is a thin, basophilic line around a secondary osteon marking old bone boundary. Growth or rest lines are in cartilage. Lamellar line is not a specific term. See .
Which zone of the epiphyseal plate is where chondrocytes enlarge and accumulate glycogen?
Resting zone
Calcification zone
Proliferative zone
Hypertrophic zone
In the hypertrophic zone, chondrocytes increase in size and store glycogen before matrix mineralization. The proliferative zone is for cell division. The calcification zone follows hypertrophy. Review at .
Volkmann's canals differ from Haversian canals in that they:
Run perpendicular to the long axis of the bone
Are surrounded by concentric lamellae
Contain osteocytes
Form the outer circumferential lamellae
Volkmann's canals run transversely to connect Haversian canals and the periosteum. They do not contain osteocytes, which are in lacunae. Concentric lamellae surround Haversian canals only. More information at .
Which protein secreted by osteoblasts binds RANKL and inhibits osteoclast formation?
Osteoprotegerin (OPG)
RANK
Osteocalcin
Calcitonin
Osteoprotegerin is a decoy receptor for RANKL, preventing it from activating RANK on osteoclast precursors. Osteocalcin is a bone matrix protein. RANK is on osteoclast precursors, not secreted. Calcitonin is a hormone, not a matrix protein. See .
What is the function of the cement line in bone remodeling?
Allows nutrient flow between osteons
Regulates osteocyte activity
Marks boundary between old and new bone
Anchors periosteum to bone
The cement line delineates the edge of a newly formed secondary osteon, indicating where remodeling ended. It does not carry nutrients or anchor periosteum. Osteocyte regulation occurs through canaliculi. More at .
Which of the following best describes the cutting cone during remodeling?
Zone of hypertrophy in the epiphyseal plate
A region of calcified cartilage
Osteoclasts followed by osteoblasts tunneling through bone
Initial mineralization front during ossification
The cutting cone is formed by osteoclasts resorbing bone ahead, followed by osteoblasts depositing new bone. It tunnels through existing bone during remodeling. The other options describe unrelated processes. Reference: .
Which substance gives bone its tensile strength?
Hydroxyapatite crystals
Elastin
Collagen fibers
Proteoglycans
Collagen fibers provide tensile strength and resistance to stretching in bone. Hydroxyapatite provides compressive strength. Proteoglycans are hydrophilic components, and elastin is found in elastic tissues. More at .
During intramembranous ossification, which cell type aggregates and differentiates first?
Chondrocytes
Perichondral cells
Endothelial cells
Mesenchymal stem cells
Mesenchymal stem cells cluster and differentiate directly into osteoblasts in intramembranous ossification. Chondrocytes form cartilage templates in endochondral ossification. Perichondral and endothelial cells have later supporting roles. Details at .
Which feature distinguishes a secondary osteon from a primary osteon?
Number of canaliculi
Central Haversian canal
Arrangement of collagen fibers
Presence of a cement line
Secondary osteons are formed by remodeling and are bounded by a distinct cement line. Primary osteons lack this demarcation. Both have Haversian canals and similar collagen arrangement and canaliculi count. More at .
What molecular mechanism do osteoclasts use to dissolve the mineral component of bone?
Release of lysosomal collagenases
Secretion of hydrochloric acid
Exocytosis of hydroxyapatite crystals
Separation of osteoid lamellae
Osteoclasts secrete hydrochloric acid to acidify and dissolve hydroxyapatite crystals. They also release enzymes for organic matrix digestion. Collagenases degrade organic matrix, not mineral. Further reading at .
Which histological stain is commonly used to highlight mineralized bone matrix?
Masson's trichrome
Alcian blue
Hematoxylin and eosin
Von Kossa stain
Von Kossa stain deposits silver on phosphate residues, turning mineral black. Masson's trichrome highlights collagen (blue/green), H&E is general, and Alcian blue stains glycosaminoglycans. See .
What term describes the initial unmineralized organic bone matrix?
Preosteon
Osteoid
Chondroid
Osteolone
Osteoid is the organic, unmineralized matrix secreted by osteoblasts composed mainly of collagen. It later calcifies to become mature bone. The other terms are not used. Learn more at .
Which of the following best describes interstitial lamellae?
Mineralized cartilage remnants
Parallel layers under the periosteum
Remnants of old osteons between new osteons
Concentric rings in a primary osteon
Interstitial lamellae are leftover fragments of osteons partially resorbed during remodeling, found between complete osteons. Circumferential lamellae lie under the periosteum. Concentric rings define primary osteons. Reference: .
Which cell-surface ligand interaction is essential for osteoclast differentiation?
OPG binding to RANKL
RANKL binding to RANK
TGF-? binding to TGFBR
BMP binding to BMPR
RANKL expressed on osteoblast-lineage cells binds RANK on osteoclast precursors, triggering differentiation. OPG is a decoy receptor inhibiting this process. BMP and TGF-? have different roles in bone. See .
What defines the cement line at the ultrastructural level?
An area of low collagen fiber density
Thickened periosteal layer
High mineral concentration
Accumulation of osteoid
Cement lines appear electron-lucent under EM due to lower collagen density and fewer proteoglycans. They mark the limit of remodeling units. Mineral concentration is not elevated there. For ultrastructure, see .
Which bone compartment is most metabolically active and remodels rapidly?
Trabecular (spongy) bone
Subendosteal bone
Cortical (compact) bone
Subperiosteal bone
Trabecular bone has a larger surface area and undergoes faster remodeling than cortical bone. Cortical bone remodels more slowly. Subperiosteal and subendosteal are locations, not compartments by turnover. More at .
In which zone of the epiphyseal plate do chondrocytes undergo apoptosis before being replaced by bone?
Proliferative zone
Calcification (ossification) zone
Resting zone
Isogenous zone
In the calcification zone, chondrocytes die and their matrix calcifies, then osteoblasts deposit bone. The isogenous term refers to proliferative clusters, not a distinct plate zone. Resting and proliferative zones precede hypertrophy. See .
Which imaging modality best visualizes Haversian canals in situ?
Standard radiography
Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT)
Ultrasound
Magnetic resonance imaging
Micro-CT provides high-resolution 3D images to visualize microscopic Haversian canals. Standard X-rays lack the resolution, and ultrasound cannot penetrate bone. MRI shows water content, not fine canal structures. For technical details, see .
Which rarefaction line appears at the transition between primary and secondary osteons?
Appositional line
Demarcation line
Rest line
Reversal line
Reversal lines mark where bone resorption by osteoclasts ended and formation by osteoblasts began, visible between primary bone and secondary osteons. Rest line is in cartilage. The other terms are not standard. See .
Which ion gradient do osteoclasts create across their ruffled border?
Low Ca2+ concentration in the cytoplasm
High H+ concentration in the resorption lacuna
Low Na+ concentration in the resorption lacuna
High Cl? concentration in the cytoplasm
Osteoclasts pump H+ into the resorption lacuna via proton pumps, acidifying and dissolving mineral. Calcium released diffuses into blood. Chloride follows to maintain electrical neutrality. For details, see .
Which genetic mutation leads to osteopetrosis by impairing osteoclast function?
FGF receptor mutation
OPG overexpression
Collagen type I mutation
Carbonic anhydrase II deficiency
Carbonic anhydrase II deficiency prevents proton generation in osteoclasts, leading to osteopetrosis. Collagen I mutations cause osteogenesis imperfecta. FGF receptor mutations underlie achondroplasia. OPG overexpression increases bone density but is not classic osteopetrosis. More at .
How does mechanical loading influence osteocyte signaling to regulate bone remodeling?
Tension triggers osteocyte apoptosis
Fluid shear stress induces osteocytes to downregulate sclerostin
Compression increases RANKL secretion by osteocytes
Fluid pressure inhibits osteoblasts directly
Mechanical loading creates fluid flow in canaliculi, causing osteocytes to reduce sclerostin, thus promoting osteoblast activity. Increased RANKL would favor resorption, not typical under load. Tension does not trigger apoptosis normally. See .
Which microRNA is implicated in coupling osteoblast and osteoclast activity during remodeling?
miR-21
miR-122
miR-1
miR-155
miR-21 is upregulated in osteoclasts and can modulate osteoblast activity, serving as a coupling factor in remodeling. The other microRNAs have different primary functions. For recent research, see .
What molecular marker differentiates cement lines from adjacent lamellae?
Increased proteoglycan content
Presence of type II collagen
Elevated osteocalcin levels
Lower expression of type I collagen
Cement lines contain less type I collagen and appear hypomineralized compared to lamellae. Osteocalcin and proteoglycans are not higher there, and type II collagen is in cartilage. For ultrastructural studies, see .
Which signaling pathway is most critical for osteocyte mechanotransduction?
Wnt/?-catenin pathway
Notch pathway
Hedgehog pathway
JAK/STAT pathway
The Wnt/?-catenin pathway is central to osteocyte responses to mechanical load and regulation of sclerostin. Notch and Hedgehog have roles in development but are less directly mechanotransductive. See .
What feature distinguishes woven bone from lamellar bone under polarized light?
Concentric birefringence patterns
High mineral density
Irregular collagen orientation
Uniform lamellar structure
Woven bone shows randomly oriented collagen fibers and uneven birefringence under polarized light. Lamellar bone exhibits regular, parallel layers with concentric patterns. Mineral density does not define fiber orientation. More at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Osteon and Haversian System Components -

    Recognize and name the structures forming the osteon Haversian system, including lamellae, lacunae, and central canals.

  2. Explain Haversian Canal Functions -

    Describe how Haversian canals support nutrient and waste exchange within compact bone tissue.

  3. Describe Epiphyseal Plate Composition -

    Define why the epiphyseal plate is a thin layer of cartilage and outline its role in bone growth.

  4. Analyze Quiz Questions for Bone Histology -

    Interpret and answer questions from the bone histology quiz, such as completing "the epiphyseal plate is a thin layer of ______."

  5. Differentiate Bone Tissue Types -

    Compare features of compact versus spongy bone and understand their distinct physiological functions.

  6. Apply Histological Terminology -

    Use correct terms in the osteon structure quiz and Haversian canal quiz to accurately describe bone microanatomy.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Concentric Lamellae Around the Haversian Canal -

    Osteons are cylindrical units featuring concentric lamellae of mineralized collagen fibers surrounding a central Haversian canal that carries blood vessels and nerves. This microarchitecture ensures efficient nutrient and waste transport in compact bone (Junqueira's Basic Histology, 14th ed.). Remember "CAN" - Canal, Artery, Nerve - for canal contents.

  2. Volkmann's Canals Connect Osteons -

    Volkmann's canals run perpendicular to Haversian canals, linking adjacent osteons and the periosteum to the medullary cavity. These transverse channels facilitate lateral blood flow and are key to the osteon Haversian system quiz's communication network concept (Gray's Anatomy for Students, 3rd ed.). A handy mnemonic is "Perforating Pokes," since they perforate the bone.

  3. Epiphyseal Plate Structure and Zones -

    The epiphyseal plate is a thin layer of hyaline cartilage where longitudinal bone growth occurs, characterized by five zones: resting, proliferative, hypertrophic, calcification, and ossification (Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 8th ed.). Use "Randy's Purple Hat Celebrates Oranges" to recall Resting, Proliferative, Hypertrophic, Calcification, Ossification. This layer's activity rates determine final bone length.

  4. Alternating Fiber Orientation for Strength -

    Collagen fibers in successive lamellae of an osteon are oriented at approximately 90° to each other, maximizing resistance to torsion and bending forces (Rodan and Martin, Principles of Bone Biology, 3rd ed.). Visualize a rope ladder: each rung rotated for stability under different stresses. Recognizing this explains how bone adapts mechanically.

  5. Bone Remodeling Dynamics -

    Bones continuously remodel through the balanced actions of osteoclasts (resorption) and osteoblasts (formation), maintaining strength and calcium homeostasis (National Institutes of Health, Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center). Parathyroid hormone and calcitonin regulate this cycle; think of PTH as a "raiser" of blood calcium and calcitonin as a "lowerer." Understanding this is essential for any bone histology and bone physiology quiz.

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