Question

Haversian canals are found in
A. Bone marrow
B. Hyaline cartilage
C. Bone matrix
D. Calcified cartilage

Answer 1

Haversian canals are microscopic tubular structures seen in bones which allows blood vessels and nerves to pass through it. It is one of the characteristic features of mammalian bones.

Complete Answer:
Before looking into the correct answer, let's have a brief look at the structure and function of the haversian canal.
One or two blood vessels and nerves fibres pass through the haversian canal. Particular channels are formed between the canals by concentric layers known as lamellae. These canals surround nerves and blood vessels and enable connection between bone cells, with help of connections called canaliculi. Osteons, which are arranged along the axis of the bone, covers the haversian canals. The haversian canal and the surrounding lamellae constitute the haversian system or osteon.

Now, let's look into the options to find the correct answer.
- Option A: Haversian canals are not seen in bone marrow. Bone marrow is the tissue seen in certain bones which contain stem cells. These stem cells develop into red blood cells and carry oxygen throughout the body. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
- Option B: Haversian canals, which is a particular feature of bones, are absent in hyaline cartilage. Hyaline cartilage is a type of cartilage which is seen in the nose, respiratory tract and joints. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
- Option C: Haversian canals are seen in the bone matrix, specifically in the outermost region of bones called cortical bone. Therefore, this is the correct option.
- Option D: Haversian canals are not seen in calcified cartilage. Calcified cartilage is formed by the deposition of calcium salts in the matrix. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Thus, the correct option is C) bone matrix.

Note: The bones get oxygen and nutrition with help of haversian canals, without being highly vascular. The connections, also known as canaliculi which helps in the communication of haversian canals with bone cells, facilitates the deposition and storage of mineral salts, which gives bones their strength.