The spongy bone is called?

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2019

Explanation

Spongy bone is also correctly referred to as cancellous bone or trabecular bone.
It is characterized by a porous, honeycomb-like structure composed of a network of fine, bony spicules called trabeculae.
This type of bone is found at the ends of long bones (epiphyses) and in the interior of vertebrae, ribs, and flat bones of the skull.
The spaces within the cancellous bone matrix are filled with red bone marrow, the site of blood cell production (hematopoiesis).

Option A: Endosteum is not a type of bone tissue. It is a thin vascular membrane that lines the inner surface of the medullary cavity of bones.
Option B: Cortical bone is the scientific name for compact bone, which is the dense, hard outer layer of the bone. It is the opposite of spongy bone.
Option D: Osteons, or Haversian systems, are the primary structural and functional units of compact (cortical) bone, not spongy bone.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and classification of bone tissue as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Spongy bone has a higher surface area and metabolic rate than compact bone, making it more susceptible to the effects of osteoporosis. This leads to a higher risk of fractures in areas rich in cancellous bone, such as the vertebrae, hip (femoral neck), and wrist.
The red bone marrow within spongy bone is the primary site of hematopoiesis in adults, producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Conditions affecting the marrow, like leukemia, directly impact the body's blood supply.
What if? If a patient has advanced osteoporosis, a nurse would anticipate implementing strict fall precautions because even minor trauma can cause fractures in the weakened cancellous bone of the spine or hip.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'spongy bone'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of anatomical terminology.
Recall the two main types of bone tissue: compact (cortical) and spongy (cancellous/trabecular).
Evaluate the options to find the synonym for spongy bone.
Eliminate 'Cortical' as it refers to compact bone.
Eliminate 'Endosteum' as it is a membrane, not bone tissue.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QsSK6G1-BWQZNeeg3EV8A4

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 4 p. 101-103

E6 Osteology InderbirSingh 5e p. 17-19

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.