The term osteon is also commonly referred to as a Haversian system. This name comes from the 17th-century physician Clopton Havers, who was instrumental in studying the microscopic structure of bones.
Osteons are the fundamental functional units of compact bone tissue and are structured as cylindrical structures that help in the organization of bone cells and the surrounding matrix. Each osteon consists of a central Haversian canal, which contains blood vessels and nerves, surrounded by concentric rings of bone matrix, called lamellae.
The Haversian system plays a crucial role in bone strength and the delivery of nutrients, making it essential for maintaining healthy bone tissue.