National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What type of bone contains trabecular structures?

1. Compact bone

2. Cancellous bone

3. Cortical bone

4. Dental bone

The correct answer is: Cancellous bone

Cancellous bone, also known as trabecular or spongy bone, is characterized by its porous structure that contains trabecular—or lattice-like—formations. This type of bone is typically located at the ends of long bones and within the interior of other bones, providing structural support while reducing weight. The trabecular architecture is highly vascular and is crucial for the production of bone marrow and for metabolic activities. In contrast, compact bone is denser and forms the outer layer of bones, providing strength and support. Cortical bone is another term often used interchangeably with compact bone but does not reflect the trabecular structures that are fundamental to cancellous bone. Dental bone, referring specifically to the bony structures associated with the teeth, generally also reflects the characteristics of compact and cancellous types, but the term is less commonly used in broader anatomical discussions compared to cancellous or spongy bone. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the specific type of bone that inherently contains trabecular structures.