Final answer:
Short bones consist of spongy bone to maximize strength, supporting and transmitting forces while allowing limited joint movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Short bones primarily consist of spongy bone material to maximize b) Strength. These short bones are roughly cube-shaped and include bones like the carpals of your wrist. They have a thin layer of cortical (compact) bone surrounding a core of spongy bone. The spongy bone interior is lighter and less dense than compact bone because of its porosity, yet it provides structural strength while also offering a degree of limited motion at the joints. This structural makeup allows short bones to support and transmit forces without being too heavy, which is critical for maintaining skeletal efficiency and protecting internal structures.