Trabecular bone

Trabecular bone (also known as cancellous bone, spongy bone, or sponge-like bone) is one of the two types of bone tissue found in the human body. It is found at the ends of long bones, in the pelvic bones, ribs, skull, and the vertebrae in the spinal column. It is much less dense than cortical bone, the other type of bone tissue, but it is also much more flexible.

Structure

Trabecular bone is characterized by a honeycomb-like structure, composed of a network of rod- and plate-like elements that make the overall organ lighter and allow the bearing of loads in multiple directions. This structure makes it much more flexible than cortical bone.

Function

The primary function of trabecular bone is to support and protect the red and yellow bone marrow. It also provides a surface for the attachment of muscles and tendons, contributing to the body's ability to move and resist forces.

Clinical significance

Trabecular bone is the primary site of bone loss in osteoporosis, a condition that leads to an increased risk of fracture. This is because trabecular bone has a higher surface area to volume ratio than cortical bone, making it more susceptible to bone loss.

See also

• Bone tissue
• Cortical bone
• Osteoporosis

References

Trabecular bone Resources
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