Question

Please summarize the differences between cancellous and cortical bone. Make sure to include information like: location, function, porosity, density, content, and resistance to stress in various directions

Answer 1

There are two types of bone tissues:Cancellous bone and cortical bone.

Difference between cancellous bone and cortical bone.

Cancellous bone is also called trabecular bone or spongy bone. Whereas , cortical bone is known as compact bone.

Location

cancellous bone-It is found in major component of ribs,shoulder blades,the flat bones of the skull, pelvis.

cortical bone-It present in the outer shell of all bones and found predominantly in appendicular skeleton,diaphysis of long bones.

Function

cancellous bone - It provide structural support anf flexibility to the body.

cortical bone-It support most of the mechanical function of the body.

Porosity

cancellous bone-It is highly porous and contains bone marrow where blood cells is made and it also contains stemcells which helps to repair damaged and broken bone.

Density

cancellous bone is less dense and weak whereas cortical bone is vey dense and strong.

Content

cancellous bone is madeup of trabecules shaped as plates and rods interspread between bone marrow.cancellous bone has low calcium level content and more water content.

cortical bone contains vey dense tissue that contains less than 10% soft tissues.

Resistence to stress in various directions

cortical bone can with stand higher level of stress as it is very dense whereas , cancellous bone can withstand only lower level of stress as it is porous.

Open strucuture of cancellous bone enable it to decrease the the sudden stress as it transfer mechanical load from articular surface to the cortical bone and hydraulic property absorb shock.