What are the properties of cortical bone in terms of location?

• A. Found where bone is subject to minimal stress
• B. Dense and typically complex in structure
• C. Porous and found in all regions of the skeleton
• D. Located primarily on the surface of the bone marrow cavity

Answer: (B)

Cortical bone is indeed dense and typically complex in structure. This type of bone is characterized by its strength and ability to withstand compressive forces, making it critically important for providing shape and support to the skeletal system. It forms the outer layer of bones and is often referred to as compact bone due to its tightly packed structure. This density helps protect the internal components of the bone and provides a strong framework that supports the weight of the body, while the complexity of its network contributes to its mechanical properties.

The other options lack the accuracy that defines cortical bone. For instance, larger areas of bone that are subjected to greater stress primarily contain cortical bone, directly contrasting with the description of minimal stress. The notion that cortical bone is porous or found in all regions of the skeleton does not align with its defining characteristics; it is primarily dense and found in regions requiring more strength, such as the long bones and points of loading. Lastly, while cortical bone is associated with the outer surfaces of bones, the statement regarding its location relative to the bone marrow cavity could be misleading, as it describes a more general context without emphasizing the dense nature of cortical bone.