Question at position 33 What is the primary function of canaliculi in compact bone?To store calcium and phosphorus saltsTo anchor the periosteum to the boneTo allow communication between osteocytes and provide nutrientsTo protect the bone from external damage

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Question and options restated: What is the primary function of canaliculi in compact bone?
Options: 
- To store calcium and phosphorus salts
- To anchor the periosteum to the bone
- To allow communication between osteocytes and provide nutrients
- To protect the bone from external damage

Analysis of each option:
- Option 1: "To store calcium and phosphorus salts". While bone tissue does store calcium and phosphorus, canaliculi themselves are not the storage sites. The mineral storage occurs within the bone matrix and the lacunae; canaliculi primarily function as microchannels for intercellular communication and nutrient exchange. Therefore, this statement misidentifies the role of canaliculi.

- Option 2: "To anchor the periosteum to the bone". The periosteum attaches to the outer surface of bone via Sharpey fibers and other connective tissue structures, not via canaliculi. Canaliculi reside within the bone matrix, connecting osteocytes to each other rather than attaching periosteum. This makes this option inaccurate.

- Option 3: "To allow communication between osteocytes and provide nutrients". This directly describes the known function of canaliculi: tiny, tunnel-like processes that connect osteocytes in lacunae, enabling exchange of nutrients, signaling molecules, and waste between cells through gap junctions. This option matches established bone biology.

- Option 4: "To protect the bone from external damage". Canaliculi are internal microscopic channels; they do not provide a protective barrier against external damage. Protective functions are mainly associated with the periosteum, cortical bone thickness, and overall bone architecture, not the canaliculi themselves. Hence this choice is incorrect.

Overall, the options differ in where canaliculi fit into bone physiology. The correct conceptual match is the ability of canaliculi to facilitate communication between osteocytes and enable nutrient exchange, which is essential for osteocyte survival and bone maintenance. The other choices misassign the function of canaliculi to storage, attachment of the periosteum, or external protection, none of which align with the established role of these tiny channels.

Question at position 33 What is the primary function of canaliculi in compact bone?To store calcium and phosphorus saltsTo anchor the periosteum to the boneTo allow communication between osteocytes and provide nutrientsTo protect the bone from external damage

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