What is the name for a tubelike passage in a bone?

A tubelike passage in a bone is referred to as a canal. In anatomical terms, a canal is typically a narrow, tubular structure that serves as a conduit for nerves, blood vessels, or other structures, allowing for communication and transportation within the bone. This is important in the context of bone physiology because canals play critical roles in facilitating nutrient delivery, waste removal, and communication between different parts of the skeletal system.

For instance, the central canal in an osteon, which is the structural unit of compact bone, allows for the passage of blood vessels and nerves, ensuring that bone cells remain nourished and functional.

The other terms in the question refer to different anatomical structures. A meatus is an opening or passage, often found in relation to cavities or canals (like the auditory meatus), which functions differently from a canal. A fissure is a narrow opening or groove that separates parts of the bone, rather than forming a complete passage. A fossa is a shallow depression or hollow in a bone, serving as a site for muscle attachment or articulation with other bones, which again is distinct from a tubelike structure.