Which bone feature is described as lightweight and porous with a network of struts and girders?

Which bone feature is described as lightweight and porous with a network of struts and girders?

• A. Compact bone
• B. Spongy bone
• C. Cortical bone
• D. Dense bone

Answer: (B)

Spongy bone, or cancellous bone, is designed as a lightweight, porous lattice of trabeculae—tiny struts and girders. This network creates many open spaces, which reduces weight while still providing strength. The trabeculae align along stress lines to resist forces from multiple directions, making the bone robust where it needs to absorb impact. The spaces often contain red bone marrow, contributing to the bone’s metabolic activity. In contrast, dense or compact/cortical bone is heavy and nearly solid, forming the protective outer layer. Therefore, the feature described is spongy bone.

Spongy bone, or cancellous bone, is designed as a lightweight, porous lattice of trabeculae—tiny struts and girders. This network creates many open spaces, which reduces weight while still providing strength. The trabeculae align along stress lines to resist forces from multiple directions, making the bone robust where it needs to absorb impact. The spaces often contain red bone marrow, contributing to the bone’s metabolic activity. In contrast, dense or compact/cortical bone is heavy and nearly solid, forming the protective outer layer. Therefore, the feature described is spongy bone.