Final answer:
The difference between compact bone and spongy bone is that compact bone is even and smooth, while spongy bone is porous and scaffold-like. Compact bone is organized into osteons and provides strength and support, spongy bone is made up of trabeculae and is lighter.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between compact bone and spongy bone in terms of their appearance is that compact bone is even and smooth, while spongy bone is porous with a lattice-like scaffold structure. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is 1) Compact bone is even and smooth, while spongy bone is porous with a structure like scaffolds. Compact bone, also known as cortical bone, is denser and forms the exterior layer of bone, providing support and protection. It consists of microscopic columns called osteons. In contrast, spongy bone, also known as cancellous bone, has a looser, more open network formed by trabeculae which are arranged along lines of stress, providing the bone with lightweight strength and housing marrow in some cases.