How Do You Spell HAVERSIAN?

Pronunciation: [hˈavəsˌi͡ən] (IPA)

The word "Haversian" is spelled with three syllables and is pronounced /hævərʃən/. The first syllable is pronounced "hav" with a short "a" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced "ər" with a schwa sound. The third and final syllable is pronounced "shən" with a long "i" sound that is represented by the letter combination "sian." This word is often used in biology to refer to the narrow channels found in compact bone tissue, which contain blood vessels and nerve fibers.

HAVERSIAN Meaning and Definition

1. Haversian (adj.) refers to a specific structural component or characteristic found in the human skeletal system known as the Haversian system. This system, also referred to as the osteon, is a well-organized arrangement of cylindrical structures called osteons or Haversian systems, which are primarily found in compact bone tissues. The term "Haversian" is derived from the 17th-century physician and anatomist, Clopton Havers, who first described this microscopic structure.

   The Haversian system consists of concentric layers of calcified matrix called lamellae, which form a tightly-packed, cylindrical unit. These cylinders are arranged parallel to the long axis of bones and serve as functional units of bone growth, repair, and remodeling. Each Haversian system is composed of a central canal called the Haversian canal, which houses blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels. Surrounding the central canal are concentric rings or lamellae made up of compact bone tissue. Small channels called canaliculi radiate from the central canal through the lamellae, allowing communication and exchange of substances between osteocytes (bone cells) residing within the lacunae. Haversian systems are interconnected through irregularly shaped spaces called interstitial lamellae, promoting the transport of nutrients and waste removal.

   The presence of Haversian systems within human bones provides structural integrity, strength, and supports vital metabolic functions. They are critical in maintaining bone health and physiology, as well as facilitating important functions such as mineral storage, blood supply, and repair of damaged bone tissue.

2. Relating to Clopton Havers and the structure of bone described by him; see Havers.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for HAVERSIAN

• gaversian
• baversian
• naversian
• javersian
• uaversian
• yaversian
• hzversian
• hsversian
• hwversian
• hqversian
• hacersian
• habersian
• hagersian
• hafersian
• havwrsian
• havsrsian
• havdrsian
• havrrsian
• hav4rsian

Etymology of HAVERSIAN

The word "Haversian" is derived from the name of the British physician, anatomist, and physiologist, Clopton Havers (1657-1702). Clopton Havers is credited with the discovery of the structural units of compact bone known as "Haversian systems" or "osteons" in 1691. These are cylindrical structures in bone that consist of concentric layers of mineralized matrix called lamellae surrounding a central canal. The term "Haversian" was later coined to describe these systems in his honor.