These are the thin, elongate channels that project from the space, the lacuna, that housed the osteocyte. They give the osteon its spider-like appearance. These channels house the cytoplasmic extensions of the osteocyte. They form a branching interconnected network of channels throughout interstitial lamellar rings of bone. They serve as diffusion channels for the distribution of nutrients from the capillaries in the central osteon canal through the bony lamellae to the osteocytes.

The word canal describes a duct, tube, or passage and is derived from the Latin word canalis. Canaliculus is the diminutive form of canal meaning a little duct, tube, or passage.