Bone types: spongy and compact bone

Spongy bone, also called cancellous or trabecular bone, forms a honeycombed structure composed of interconnected, bony spicules. The spaces between the spicules are filled with red marrow. Spongy bone fills the epiphysis and is also present in the marrow cavity.

Spongy bone, also called cancellous or trabecular bone, forms a honeycombed structure composed of interconnected, bony spicules. The spaces between the spicules are filled with red marrow. Spongy bone fills the epiphysis and is also present in the marrow cavity.

Spongy bone, also called cancellous or trabecular bone, forms a honeycombed structure composed of interconnected, bony spicules. The spaces between the spicules are filled with red marrow. Spongy bone fills the epiphysis and is also present in the marrow cavity.

Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is present as a thin shell over the surface of the epiphyses as well as forming a solid mass, comprising the shaft (diaphysis) of long bones.

A thin shell of compact bone covers the surface of the epiphysis.

Compact bone in the diaphysis can be organized either as flat, parallel sheets (lamellae), or in cylinders composed of concentric lamellae (Haversian systems).

Compact bone is deposited as flat, parallel sheets around the internal and external surfaces of the diaphysis, forming inner circumferential lamellae and outer circumferential lamellae, respectively.

Compact bone on the interior of the diaphysis is organized in concentric lamellae forming Haversian systems. Haversian systems are oriented parallel to the long axis of the bone to provide strength and rigidity.

This image was taken of slide in the University of Cincinnati collection.