The bone cells (osteocytes) are located in spaces called lacunae.
There are two types of bone tissue: compact and spongy. The names imply that the two types differ in density, or how tightly the tissue is packed together.
There are three types of cells that contribute to bone homeostasis. Osteoblasts are bone-forming cell, osteoclasts resorb or break down bone, and osteocytes are m@ture bone cells. An equilibrium between osteoblasts and osteoclasts maintains bone tissue.
Compact bone consists of closely packed osteons or haversian systems. The osteon consists of a central canal called the osteonic (haversian) canal, which is surrounded by concentric rings (lamellae) of matrix. Between the rings of matrix, the bone cells (osteocytes) are located in spaces called lacunae. Small channels (canaliculi) radiate from the lacunae to the osteonic (haversian) canal to provide passageways through the hard matrix.
Spongy (cancellous) bone is lighter and less dense than compact bone. Spongy bone consists of plates (trabeculae) and bars of bone adjacent to small, irregular cavities that contain red bone marrow. The canaliculi connect to the adjacent cavities, instead of a central haversian canal, to receive their blood supply.
To learn more, visit the National Institutes of Health - National Cancer Institute.
Check out some tps to keep your bones healthy, shared by Mayo Clinic.