Light micrograph of compact bone stained with the Schmorl technique, showing osteocytes and their fine processes (blue). There are two osteons, each centred by a rounded space corresponding to the Haversian canal, which is occupied by a small blood vessel. The bone lamellae are arranged around them in concentric layers and the osteocytes are located between them. The numerous extensions that start from the osteocyte soma are striking and interconnect with each other, forming a complex labyrinth. The osteocytes closest to the centre of the osteon orient their processes towards the Haversian canal.