Canaliculus (bone)

Canaliculi are small, microscopic canals between the various lacunae of ossified bone. The radiating processes of the osteocytes project into these canals. These cytoplasmic processes are joined together by gap junctions. Osteocytes do not entirely fill up the canaliculi. The remaining space is known as the periosteocytic space, which is filled with periosteocytic fluid. This fluid contains substances too large to be transported by the gap junctions that connect the osteocytes, including calcium and phosphate ions.

In cartilage, the lacunae and hence, the chondrocytes, are isolated from each other. Materials picked up by osteocytes adjacent to blood vessels, are distributed throughout the bone matrix via the canaliculi.