canaliculus

anatomy

Also known as: canaliculi

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

A canaliculus is a minute canal found within a bodily structure. The term "canalicular" describes something that relates to, resembles, or is equipped with a canaliculus.12

In the context of anatomy, canaliculi serve as small passageways. For instance, in bone tissue, osteocytes (bone cells) communicate with each other and with bone surfaces through filamentous extensions that occupy these channels within the bone substance. In the eye's tear drainage system, upper and lower canalicular ducts, each with tiny openings called puncta, collect tears from the eye surface and lead them to the lacrimal sac.34

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human digestive system
Microscopic anatomy
…perforated by small channels, called canaliculi, that are the terminal outposts of the biliary system, receiving bile from the hepatocyte. They eventually join with other canaliculi, forming progressively larger bile ducts that eventually emerge from the porta hepatis as the hepatic duct.
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…perforated by small channels, called canaliculi, that are the terminal outposts of the biliary system, receiving bile from the hepatocyte. They eventually join with other canaliculi, forming progressively larger bile ducts that eventually emerge from the porta hepatis as the hepatic duct.
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osteocyte
…osteocytes in small channels called canaliculi. By means of these canaliculi, nutrients and waste products are exchanged to maintain the viability of the osteocyte. Osteocytes are the most abundant type of cell in mature bone tissue. They also are long-lived, surviving as long as the bone they occupy exists.
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…osteocytes in small channels called canaliculi. By means of these canaliculi, nutrients and waste products are exchanged to maintain the viability of the osteocyte. Osteocytes are the most abundant type of cell in mature bone tissue. They also are long-lived, surviving as long as the bone they occupy exists.
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