Abstract
Osteocytes embedded in bone matrix are recognized as the mechanosensor cells that play important roles in the regulatory mechanism of adaptive bone remodeling. They are connected each other via cell processes in the canaliculi, and are believed to sense the mechanical stimulus due to the interstitial fluid flow in the lacuno-canalicular system. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the structure of lacuno-canalicular system and the mechanical condition at the cellular level. Three-dimensional structure of the lacuno-canalicular system in trabeculae was fluorescently visualized using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Relationship between the canalicular orientation determined by the fabric ellipse fitting and the normal vector field derived from the distance from the trabecular surface were discussed. As a result, it was demonstrated that the canalicular orientation was approximately coincided with the direction of normal vector field that corresponded to the vertical direction to the trabecular surface.
