What does cortical bone primarily constitute?

What does cortical bone primarily constitute?

• A. The inner structure of bones
• B. The outer cover of bones
• C. The interior of bone marrow
• D. The primary form of trabecular bone

Answer: (B)

Cortical bone is indeed primarily known for constituting the outer cover of bones. It forms a dense layer that provides structural support and protection to the inner components of bones. This outer layer is crucial because it plays a significant role in withstanding various stresses and strains placed on the skeletal system. Cortical bone is typically thicker in the diaphysis (the shaft of long bones) and thinner at the epiphyses (the ends of long bones), allowing bones to maintain optimal strength while minimizing weight. The other options focus on different aspects of bone structure or misidentify the properties of cortical bone. The inner structure of bones is primarily influenced by trabecular bone, which has a spongy architecture and is located inside the bones. The interior of bone marrow, which consists of hematopoietic (blood-forming) tissue and is found within the cavities of long bones, is separate from the context of cortical bone. Lastly, trabecular bone, sometimes referred to as cancellous bone, is distinct from cortical bone and serves different functions, including providing support and housing bone marrow. Thus, identifying cortical bone as primarily constituting the outer cover is key to understanding bone anatomy.

Cortical bone is indeed primarily known for constituting the outer cover of bones. It forms a dense layer that provides structural support and protection to the inner components of bones. This outer layer is crucial because it plays a significant role in withstanding various stresses and strains placed on the skeletal system. Cortical bone is typically thicker in the diaphysis (the shaft of long bones) and thinner at the epiphyses (the ends of long bones), allowing bones to maintain optimal strength while minimizing weight.

The other options focus on different aspects of bone structure or misidentify the properties of cortical bone. The inner structure of bones is primarily influenced by trabecular bone, which has a spongy architecture and is located inside the bones. The interior of bone marrow, which consists of hematopoietic (blood-forming) tissue and is found within the cavities of long bones, is separate from the context of cortical bone. Lastly, trabecular bone, sometimes referred to as cancellous bone, is distinct from cortical bone and serves different functions, including providing support and housing bone marrow. Thus, identifying cortical bone as primarily constituting the outer cover is key to understanding bone anatomy.