Which of the following best describes trabecular bone?

• A. Dense and organized
• B. Compact and heavy
• C. Responsive to therapies
• D. Primarily located in the skull

Answer: (C)

The best description of trabecular bone is that it is responsive to therapies. Trabecular bone, also known as cancellous or spongy bone, is characterized by its porous, lattice-like structure found primarily at the ends of long bones, within the vertebrae, and in the interior of other bones. This unique configuration allows for greater metabolic activity compared to cortical (dense) bone, making trabecular bone particularly responsive to hormonal changes and various therapeutic interventions aimed at improving bone density, such as bisphosphonates or other osteoporosis treatments.

The other options do not accurately describe trabecular bone. While some may possess elements of truth, they do not capture the essence of trabecular bone’s characteristics. For instance, trabecular bone is not dense and organized (as contrasted with cortical bone), it is less compact and generally lighter, and although some methods for therapy may focus more on areas such as the skull, trabecular bone is more widespread in the body than just in the skull. Therefore, the responsiveness of trabecular bone to therapies is a key feature that distinguishes it from other bone types.