What is the Difference Between Haversian Canal and Volkmann’s Canal?

The Haversian canal and Volkmann's canal are both found in bone tissue, but they have distinct differences in terms of their location and function:

• Haversian Canal: These canals, also known as osteonic canals, run parallel to the long axis of bones and are present in the center of compact bones. They contain blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. Haversian canals surround blood vessels and nerve cells throughout the bone and communicate with osteocytes.
• Volkmann's Canal: These canals, also known as perforating holes or channels, are anatomic arrangements in cortical bones. They interconnect the Haversian canals with each other and the periosteum. Volkmann's canals usually run at obtuse angles to the Haversian canals and contain anastomosing vessels between them. They assist with blood and nerve supply from the periosteum to the Haversian canal.

In summary, the main differences between Haversian canals and Volkmann's canals are:

• Haversian canals are located in the center of compact bones, while Volkmann's canals are located at the edges of bones.
• Haversian canals run parallel to the long axis of the bone, while Volkmann's canals run perpendicular to the long axis of the bone.
• Haversian canals contain blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics, while Volkmann's canals contain blood vessels and nerves.

Comparative Table: Haversian Canal vs Volkmann’s Canal

Haversian canals and Volkmann's canals are both found in bone tissue and play a role in maintaining bone health and function. However, they have distinct differences in terms of their location and function. Here is a comparison between the two:

Haversian canals, also known as osteonic canals, run parallel to the long axis of bones and are present in the center of compact bones. They contain blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. On the other hand, Volkmann's canals are located at the edges of bones and run perpendicular to the long axis of the bone. They connect adjacent osteons and also connect the blood vessels of the Haversian canals to the tissue covering the bone's outer surface. Both canals play a role in bone nutrition and support, and are part of the bone's microcirculatory system.