noun
- A small channel or groove, especially in anatomy or biology; a minute canal or tubular passage in bone or tissue.
Usage: technical; anatomy; plural: canaliculi
Examples
- The canaliculus in the bone allows for the passage of blood vessels and nerves.
- Osteocytes reside in lacunae and communicate through canaliculi.
- Each canaliculus is microscopic and requires magnification to observe.
- The lacrimal canaliculus drains tears from the eye toward the nasal cavity.
- Canaliculi form an interconnected network throughout compact bone tissue.