Question

In relating the form to its function, which of the following correctly explains why spongy bone is found in the epiphyses of a long bone?

a. Spongy bone does not contain nervous tissue so it reduces pain within the joint
b. Spongy bone contains dense cartilage that resists compression within the joint
c. Spongy bone contains red bone marrow which is protected within the joint
d. Spongy bone contains trabeculae that allow it to resist multidirectional forces applied at the joint
e. Spongy bone is compressible so it is able to cushion forces applied at the joint
f. Spongy bone does not contain blood vessels so any joint damage does not bleed.

Answer 1

Spongy bone is found in the epiphyses of long bones as it contains trabeculae to resist multidirectional forces and contains red bone marrow for blood cell production.

Step-by-step explanation:

In relating the form to its function, spongy bone is found in the epiphyses of a long bone because spongy bone contains trabeculae that allow it to resist multidirectional forces applied at the joint. These trabeculae are lamellae arranged as rods or plates that form along lines of stress to provide strength to the bone. Moreover, spongy bone contains red bone marrow, which is protected within these trabeculae where blood cell formation, or hematopoiesis, occurs. The presence of blood vessels within this tissue enables the delivery of nutrients to osteocytes and the removal of waste, which is crucial for maintaining bone health.

Spongy bone thus serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical strength to resist stresses from various directions, it aids in the production of blood cells within the protection of the trabeculae network, and it maintains lighter bone density to aid movement by muscles. Therefore, the correct answer is d. Spongy bone contains trabeculae that allow it to resist multidirectional forces applied at the joint.