Anatomy students learn about the skeletal system, where they examine bones and how the bones fit together to make up an entire skeleton. In addition, some courses also explore bone tissue and how bone is formed and repaired.
The bone matrix is the hard, supportive material that makes up most of a bone’s structure. It consists of collagen fibers and mineral deposits, primarily calcium phosphate, which give bones both flexibility and strength. Within the matrix are living bone cells called osteocytes, which reside in small spaces called lacunae and communicate through tiny channels known as canaliculi.
In compact bone, the matrix is arranged in concentric rings called lamellae around central Haversian canals, while Volkmann’s canals connect these structures throughout the bone. Together, the bone matrix provides support, protection, and a framework for movement while serving as a reservoir for important minerals.
With this coloring worksheet, students will read descriptions about each structure and color the corresponding part of the diagram. They will also answer questions about the bone matrix.
I often pair this worksheet with a short visit to the lab. Students can easily view osteocytes with a compound light microscope. You can easily see the rings (lamella) and other features of bone tissue. Bone tissue slides is fairly inexpensive, and I have tons of old slides from a previous teacher.
Bone Tissue at 400x
You can see the concentric rings of the lamella, with the darker osteocytes surrounding the central Haversian canal. The small lines extending from the osteocytes are the canaliculi.
Related Resources
Anatomy of the Long Bone – focuses on structures associated with bones, like the periosteum, medullary cavity, and bone marrow
Color the Bones of the Hand – focus on the tiny bones of the wrist, like the scaphoid and lunate
Color the Bones of the Foot – focus on the tiny bones of the foot, like the talus and calcaneus
Learn the Bones of the Hand and Foot – guided learning where students progress through slides and labeling activities
Microscope Slides of Compact Bone – these are the slides I use to pair with the coloring activity