Question

Differentiate between: Spongy bone and compact bone.

Answer 1

Bones are the skeletal structure which gives shape to our body. There are two types of bones i.e. spongy bone and compact bone. They form long bones that are dense and hard. These bones provide strength, structure and mobility.

Complete answer:

| Spongy Bone| Compact Bone
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| It is also known as cancellous or trabecular bone.| It is known as cortical bone.
Location| It is found in long bones and is surrounded by compact bones.| It surrounds the spongy bone.
Nature| It is spongy, light and soft.| It is heavy and compact.
Structure| It is made up of trabeculae| It is made up of osteons
Layer| The fill the inner layer of the bone.| They fill the outer layer of the bone.
Cavity| Bone marrow cavity is absent.| Bone marrow cavity present at the centre.
Position| It forms the ends of long bones| It forms the shaft of long bones.
Function| It is the main structure for support, protection, and movement in our body.| It is involved in important functions of bones like blood cell production and ion exchange.
Bone marrow| It contains yellow bone marrow.| It contains red bone marrow.

Note: The spongy bone receives nutrients from the blood vessels that pass through the compact bones. The arteries pass through the foramen which is a small opening in the diaphysis. The spongy bone reduces the bone density and helps the long bone ends to compress when the stress is applied to the bone. Thus the spongy bones are present in the areas where the stress comes from many directions.