Cancellated

Cancellated refers to a structure that is characterized by a spongy or lattice-like appearance, similar to that seen in the internal structure of bones. The term is derived from the Latin word 'cancelli', which means lattice. Cancellated structures are typically found in the anatomy of various organisms, including humans, where they play a crucial role in providing strength and support while minimizing weight.

Anatomy

In the context of human anatomy, cancellated bone, also known as trabecular bone or spongy bone, is one of the two types of bone tissue found in the body. The other type is cortical bone, which is dense and compact. Cancellated bone is found at the ends of long bones, in the inner layer of flat bones such as the skull, and in the vertebrae. It is characterized by a honeycomb-like structure, composed of small, interconnecting rods and plates of bone tissue called trabeculae. This structure provides a balance of strength and flexibility.

Function

Cancellated bone serves several important functions in the body. It houses the bone marrow, which is responsible for the production of blood cells. It also provides structural support and aids in the distribution of stress and pressure applied to the bone. Despite its relatively light weight, cancellated bone is extremely strong due to its unique structure.

Clinical Significance

Changes in the structure and density of cancellated bone can be indicative of various medical conditions. For example, osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in bone density, which often affects cancellated bone more severely than cortical bone. This can lead to an increased risk of fractures. Bone scans and other imaging techniques can be used to assess the health and density of cancellated bone.

See Also

• Bone tissue
• Osteoporosis
• Bone marrow
• Bone scan

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