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What is Compact Bone?

Victoria Blackburn
Victoria Blackburn

Bones make up the human skeletal system and are used to support the body and help provide movement. They are made up of two types of bone tissue: spongy and compact. These tissues differ in how dense the bone is, or how tightly the cells are packed together. Compact bone accounts for more than 75 percent of all bone matter in the body when measured by weight.

The cells of compact bone, which is also called cortical bone, appear to be tightly packed into a solid mass. Although the calls are close together, this type of bone is not completely solid. There are small canals that run through the bone, which allow blood vessels to penetrate it. Spongy bone, also called cancellous bone, appears to have large open spaces and resembles a sponge.

Compact bone is found on the outside of most bones in the body.
Compact bone is found on the outside of most bones in the body.

Compact bone is what is found on the outside of most bones. It is the hard outer layer that gives bones their smooth, white appearance. This type of bone has a much greater mass than the same amount of spongy bone, which is found in places such as joints and the ends of bones.

The bones of the human skeleton can be grouped into five types: long, short, flat, irregular and sesamoid. Different types of bone have differing amounts of compact and spongy bones. Long bones, such as those of the arms, legs, fingers and toes, are made up mostly of compact bone. These bones are longer than they are wide, so they need the added strength and support that the compact tissue can provide.

Short bones in comparison are roughly cuboidal in shape. They have only a thin layer of compact bone tissue. Examples of short bones include those of the wrist and ankle.

A diagram of the anatomy of a bone, showing the compact bone.
A diagram of the anatomy of a bone, showing the compact bone.

Flat bones often have two thin, parallel layers of compact bone, with spongy bone inside. These are often curved bones and include the bones of the skull. Irregular bones do not fit into any of the other shape categories, so they are grouped together. These bones, which include the vertebrae, have thin layers of compact bone around spongy interiors.

Long bones, like the tibia and fibula, are those bones whose length exceeds their width.
Long bones, like the tibia and fibula, are those bones whose length exceeds their width.

Sesamoid bones are those bones that are surrounded by tendons. They are often found at joints, such as the knees, and they serve to protect and aid in the action of the tendon. These bones have thick layers of compact bone to protect both the bones and the tendons. The patella bone in the knee is an example of this type of bone.

Discussion Comments

lightning88

How can I maintain compact bone health -- I keep hearing all this about decalcified compact bone, and I was wondering first, what exactly this was, and secondly, how can I avoid it?

pharmchick78

Compact bone histology is actually really fascinating -- if you look at a compact bone microscope slide, you can really see the difference between compact bone and spongy bone.

That's a great way for people who are more visual to really see the difference, and it looks cool besides.

So if you're still a little fuzzy on the difference between bones, then google image "histology of compact bone" -- it'll clear it right up.

googlefanz

Nice overview of bone structure, especially on compact bone vs spongy bone. So what makes compact bone so hard? Is it just the calcium or whatnot? I understand that it's hard because it is densely packed, but what actually provides that strength? And is how is compact bone connected to connective tissue?

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    • Compact bone is found on the outside of most bones in the body.
      By: ingridat
      Compact bone is found on the outside of most bones in the body.
    • A diagram of the anatomy of a bone, showing the compact bone.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of the anatomy of a bone, showing the compact bone.
    • Long bones, like the tibia and fibula, are those bones whose length exceeds their width.
      By: andreaxt
      Long bones, like the tibia and fibula, are those bones whose length exceeds their width.
    • The bones of the human skeleton can be grouped into five types: long, short, flat, irregular, and sesamoid.
      By: Alexander Potapov
      The bones of the human skeleton can be grouped into five types: long, short, flat, irregular, and sesamoid.