Within compact bone, osteocytes reside in lacunae and extend cytoplasmic processes through tiny canals. What is the name of these canals, and what type of intercellular junction connects the opposing cell processes?

• A Haversian canals, tight junctions
• B Volkmann's canals, desmosomes
• C Lacunae, adherens junctions
• D Canaliculi, gap junctions ✓

Explanation

Osteocyte processes travel through canaliculi and are connected by gap junctions, allowing the exchange of small molecules and ions. Haversian and Volkmann's canals contain blood vessels and nerves, not cytoplasmic processes. Lacunae house the cell body, not the processes.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.