Question

1. what is the purpose of the central canal in osteons?

a. to provide space for osteocytes
b. to provide space for red bone marrow
c. to provide space for yellow bone marrow
d. to provide space for the passage of blood vessels and nerves

Explanation:

Osteons are the structural units of compact bone. The central canal (Haversian canal) in an osteon functions to house blood vessels and nerves, which supply the bone tissue. Option a is incorrect because osteocytes are in lacunae, not the central canal. Options b and c are incorrect as red and yellow bone marrow are in the medullary cavity (not central canals of osteons) and trabecular bone spaces.

Answer:

d. To provide space for the passage of blood vessels and nerves