Chapter 32, Problem 14A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The difference between spongy bone and compact bone.

Introduction:

Bone and cartilages are types of connective tissue. The skeleton system of the human body is made up of bones of different shapes and sizes. Long bones are present in arms and legs. Wrist bones are short bones. Skull is made up of flat bones. Vertebrae and facial bones are irregular bones.

Explanation of Solution

Spongy bone: Spongy bone is less dense and has many cavities that contain bone marrow. Spongy bones are found in the center of short or flat bones and in long bones, they are present on the ends. Spongy bone doesn’t have Haversian systems. Bone marrow present in the spongy bone can be of two types, red bone marrow and yellow bone marrow.

Compact bone: compact bone is strong and dense. Compact bone is an outer layer of all bones. It provides strength and protection to bones. Tubelikestructure known as osteons or Haversian systems run all over the length of compact bone. These Haversian system contains of blood vessels and nerves. Blood vessels provide oxygen and nutrients to living bone-forming cells osteoblasts.

Conclusion

Spongy bone is the center of bone whereas compact bone is the outer layer of bone. Compact bone contains Harvesian system whereas a spongy bone doesn’t contain it. Spongy bones are less dense in comparison to compact bone.