In regions of bones formed by Haversian systems, smaller blood vessels (branches of arteries and tributaries of veins) are distributed within the bones by running inside bone tunnels called Volkmann’s canals.
The Volkmann’s canals connect adjacent Haversian systems. Branches of vessels present in Volkmann’s canals can be recognized in cross-sections of diaphyses because they are distributed radially in relation to the medullary cavity.
Click here to review the distribution of blood vessels in the diaphyses.
The branches of the blood vessels that occupy central canal of the Haversian systems nourish the osteocytes of each system.
The figure shows several Haversian systems (H) and several sets of intermediate lamellae (I), between Haversian systems. Two Haversian systems are interconnected by a Volkmann’s canal, highlighted in blue when the cursor hovers over it.
Diaphysis (in cross section). Schmorl's technique. Medium magnification: .
