What characterizes spongy bone?

What characterizes spongy bone?

• A. It is solid and dense
• B. It is soft and filled with holes and spaces
• C. It is located near the joints
• D. It is the hardest bone type

Answer: (B)

The correct choice highlights that spongy bone is characterized by being soft and filled with holes and spaces. Spongy bone, also known as cancellous bone, has a porous and lattice-like structure that distinguishes it from compact bone, which is more solid and dense. This porous nature of spongy bone allows it to be lighter while still providing structural support. The spaces within spongy bone are often filled with red bone marrow, which is critical for producing blood cells, and contribute to the overall strength and flexibility of the bone. Other options describe qualities that are not representative of spongy bone. For example, spongy bone is not solid and dense; that description applies to compact bone. While spongy bone can be found in various locations within the skeleton, including near joints, it does not specifically characterize the type of bone itself. Lastly, spongy bone is not the hardest bone type; compact bone is typically the hardest and most robust. Thus, the emphasis on the soft and porous nature of spongy bone effectively captures its essential characteristics.

The correct choice highlights that spongy bone is characterized by being soft and filled with holes and spaces. Spongy bone, also known as cancellous bone, has a porous and lattice-like structure that distinguishes it from compact bone, which is more solid and dense. This porous nature of spongy bone allows it to be lighter while still providing structural support. The spaces within spongy bone are often filled with red bone marrow, which is critical for producing blood cells, and contribute to the overall strength and flexibility of the bone.

Other options describe qualities that are not representative of spongy bone. For example, spongy bone is not solid and dense; that description applies to compact bone. While spongy bone can be found in various locations within the skeleton, including near joints, it does not specifically characterize the type of bone itself. Lastly, spongy bone is not the hardest bone type; compact bone is typically the hardest and most robust. Thus, the emphasis on the soft and porous nature of spongy bone effectively captures its essential characteristics.