ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Spongy bone is usually located at the ends of the long bones (the epiphyses), with the harder compact bone surrounding it. It is also found inside the vertebrae, in the ribs, in the skull and in the bones of the joints. Spongy bone is softer and weaker than compact bone, but is also more flexible.

Detailed explanation-2: -The epiphysis is at each end of a long bone. It contains mostly spongy bone. The metaphysis is the part of a long bone between the diaphysis and the growth plate. The growth plate (epiphyseal plate) is a thin disc of cartilage between the epiphysis and metaphysis.

Detailed explanation-3: -Spongy bone is commonly found at the end of long bones, as well as the ribs, skull, pelvic bones and vertebrae. Located in the spaces, between the trabeculae of some spongy bones is red bone marrow. Blood vessels within red bone marrow supply osteocytes of spongy bone and aid in removing waste products.

Detailed explanation-4: -The epiphysis is filled with spongy bone tissue. The spaces in between the spongy bone of the epiphysis consist of red bone marrow. The diaphysis is made of compact bone.

Detailed explanation-5: -Spongy bone provides balance to the dense and heavy compact bone by making bones lighter so that muscles can move them more easily. In addition, the spaces in some spongy bones contain red bone marrow, protected by the trabeculae, where hematopoiesis occurs.