What is the role of cancellous bone?

Cancellous bone, also known as trabecular or spongy bone, plays a critical role in the production of blood cells, particularly those found in the bone marrow. This type of bone is characterized by its porous structure, which provides a large surface area for hematopoiesis—the process by which blood cells are formed, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

The bone marrow located within the cavities of cancellous bone is rich in stem cells, which differentiate into various blood cell types. This function is vital for maintaining healthy blood cell levels in the body, contributing to essential processes like oxygen transport, immune response, and blood clotting.

While cancellous bone does provide some structural support due to its presence in areas of the skeleton, this is not its primary role compared to the function of compact bone. It is less dense than compact bone and, therefore, does not significantly contribute to energy storage or organ protection, which are more associated with different types of bone tissue or other body systems.