Emergence In The Morphology Of Compact Bone/Part I

Now that we have an understanding about the concept of emergence from a biological sense. Emergence can arise from social interaction as well. But before I extract the social component of emergence in social relations, a lesson in the anatomy of compact bone is first needed. A microscopic structure of compact bone contains a central canal and all the concentric lamella surrounding it are referred to as an osteon, or Haversian system. Also identifiable canaliculi, tiny canals radiating outward from a central canal to the lacuna of the first lamella and then from lamella to lamella. The canaliculi form a dense transportation network through the hard bone matrix, connecting all the living cells of the osteon to the nutrient supply. In short, the canaliculi allows each cell to take what it needs for nourishment and to pass along the excess to the next osteocyte (bone cell). What draws my attention when looking at this microscopic illustration of compact bone is the canaliculi, these tiny canals. Thousands of tiny canals, one after another forming such a fascinating landscape. An example of emergence at work. All collaborating with one another in sculpting such an intricate design.