What Are the Histological Differences Between Compact and Spongy Bone?
Compact bone, also known as cortical bone, is dense and forms the outer layer of bones. It is primarily responsible for the weight-bearing and protective functions of bones. In contrast, spongy bone, also known as trabecular or cancellous bone, is found at the ends of long bones and in the interior of other bones. It is characterized by a porous, lattice-like structure that allows for the distribution of stress and reduces the overall weight of the bone. The histological differences between these two types of bone contribute to their specific protective roles.
