Cortical Bone Histology
Definition
Examination of thin sections of compact bone under transmitted and polarised light microscopy to characterise osteon structure, lamellation, and vascularisation pattern. Used when surface morphology is degraded or ambiguous.
- Method
- Thin sections under transmitted and polarised light microscopy
- Features examined
- Osteon structure, lamellation, vascularisation pattern
- Used when
- Surface morphology is degraded or ambiguous
Common questions
What can histology reveal that gross bone examination cannot?+
Microscopic osteon density and remodelling patterns can support age estimation or species determination even when the external surface is too damaged, weathered, or fragmentary for macroscopic assessment alone.
Does polarised light add anything beyond plain transmitted light in this technique?+
Polarised light highlights the birefringence of collagen fibre orientation within lamellae, which helps distinguish osteon types and remodelling generations that can be difficult to separate under ordinary transmitted light.
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