
Cross-section of a bone showing both Cortical and Cancellous bone
'Cortical bone', also known as 'compact bone' is one of two main types of
osseous tissues. Cortical bone is dense and forms the surface of bones, contributing 80% of the weight of a human skeleton. It is extremely hard, formed of multiple stacked layers with few gaps.
The other major type of bone is trabecular or
cancellous bone; it is spongy and makes up the bulk of the interior of most bones, including the
vertebrae. Its main function is to support the body, protect organs, provide levers for movement and (shared with cancellous bone), store minerals.
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