Trabeculae

Definition

Trabeculae are small, beam-like structures of bone that form a meshwork within spongy bone, providing structural support while minimizing weight. They align precisely along lines of stress to help bones resist external pressures and strains.

Related terms

Spongy Bone:

A type of bone tissue found at the ends of long bones and in the interior of short, flat, and irregular bones, characterized by a porous, honeycomb-like structure.

Compact Bone:

The dense, hard outer layer of bone that provides strength and protection to the skeleton.

Osteoporosis:

A condition where decreased bone density leads to weakened bones, often due to a loss in the amount or effectiveness of trabeculae