What percentage of trabecular bone is found in the human skeleton?

• A. 10%
• B. 20%
• C. 30%
• D. 40%

Answer: (B)

Trabecular bone, also known as cancellous bone, constitutes a significant portion of the skeletal system, particularly in certain regions such as the vertebrae, pelvis, and the ends of long bones. It plays a crucial role in providing structural support and facilitating the distribution of forces and stresses on the skeleton. The correct answer indicates that trabecular bone comprises about 20% of the total bone mass in the human skeleton.

This aligns with anatomical and physiological studies which suggest that, while most of the skeleton is made up of cortical bone (which is denser and provides strength), trabecular bone is important for various metabolic processes including mineral storage and housing bone marrow. Understanding the composition of trabecular versus cortical bone is vital in the field of bone densitometry, as it can influence the diagnosis and management of conditions like osteoporosis.