[Structure of the erosive lacunae on the periosteal and endosteal surfaces of bone].

The periostal and endostal surfaces of the femur, ribs and lumbar vertebrae have been investigated in people at the age of 20-90 years. The erosive lacunae on the surface of the bone are revealed as recesses of various form and size. They are usually encountered as groups forming a resorptive focus, or fuse into large zones of resorption. Comparing the data of the light optic investigation and the results of SAM studies of the bone surface, it is possible to distinguish the erosive lacunae with an active process of resorption from the lacunae, where the process proceeds slowly or is not yet fully completed. On the periostal surface the resorptive foci are revealed more often, while on the endostal surface--large zones of resorption are seen. The erosive lacunae are often situated in the ostial parts of the vascular canals. No age dependence is noted in morphological manifestation of the resorption process on the investigated osseous surfaces of a mature person.