Cancellous bone

Cancellous bone, also known as trabecular bone or spongy bone, is one of the two types of bone tissue that make up the human skeleton. The other type is compact bone, which is denser and provides the hard exterior of bones. Cancellous bone is found at the ends of long bones, in the inner layer of flat bones, and in the vertebrae.

Structure

Cancellous bone is characterized by a honeycomb-like structure, composed of a network of trabeculae (thin, rod-like structures). These trabeculae are organized along lines of stress to provide strength to the bone. The spaces within this network are filled with bone marrow, which produces blood cells.

Function

The primary function of cancellous bone is to support and protect the cells of the bone marrow. It also provides structural support and facilitates movement. The spongy nature of cancellous bone makes it more flexible than compact bone, which helps to absorb the stress placed on the skeleton during physical activity.

Clinical significance

Cancellous bone is particularly affected in osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. In osteoporosis, the trabeculae in the cancellous bone become thinner and fewer, reducing the bone's strength and leading to an increased risk of fractures.

See also

• Bone tissue
• Compact bone
• Osteoporosis