Dictionary > Canaliculus

Canaliculus

Definition
noun, plural: canaliculi
(anatomy) Any of many small canals or ducts in the body, such as in the bone, or in some plants
Supplement
In anatomy, a canaliculus is a small canal or duct or passageway in the body. It is used in the following terms:

  • Bone canaliculus. It is a small channel in ossified bone, particularly between the lacunae of ossified bone. It is where the filopodia of osteocytes project into. The osteocytes are able to distribute materials from adjacent blood vessels throughout the bone matrix via the bone canaliculi.
  • Lacrimal canaliculus. It pertains to any of the many small ducts in the eyelids.
  • Dental canaliculus. It is one of the many minute tubules from the pulp toward the enamel or cementum. Dental canaliculi serve as passageway for blood, and therefore, are associated with the blood supply of a tooth.
  • Bile canaliculus. This tubule is where the bile produced by the hepatocytes is collected.

Another derived term is canaliculitis. The latter is a condition wherein the canaliculus is inflamed.
Word origin: Latin canāliculus ‎(small channel, pipe or gutter), Ancient Greek kánna (“reed”)
See also:

  • canal (anatomy)

Related term(s):

  • Vein of cochlear canaliculus
  • Bone canaliculus
  • Intracellular canaliculus
  • Ampulla canaliculi lacrimalis


  • You will also like...

    Human Reproduction
    Human Reproduction

    Humans are capable of only one mode of reproduction, i.e. sexual reproduction. Haploid sex cells (gametes) are produced ..

    Freshwater Ecology
    Freshwater Ecology

    Freshwater ecology focuses on the relations of aquatic organisms to their freshwater habitats. There are two forms of co..

    Types and Causes of Brain Damage
    Types and Causes of Brain Damage

    This tutorial describes the different types and causes of brain damage. Find out how genetics, physical injury, lack of ..

    Disturbance on a still water
    Abiotic Factors – Water Conditions

    A still body of water may be disturbed by a variety of factors. One of them is wind. In fact, it is considered as the pr..

    Ecological Research Measuring & Analysis
    Ecological Research: Measuring & Analysis

    This lesson is about the methods used for ecological research, such as quadrat and transect sampling, canopy fogging, an..

    3D rendering of an antibody
    Passive and Active Types of Immunity

    Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell capable of producing a specific immune response to unique antigens. In thi..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics