Which part of the bone has tiny openings with blood vessels and nerves?

• A. Spongy Bone
• B. Compact Bone
• C. Marrow
• D. Cartilage

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how bone tissue gets its blood supply and nerves through its internal structure. Spongy bone has a porous, lattice-like network of trabeculae with many small spaces in between. These spaces are often filled with red bone marrow and are interconnected by numerous tiny channels that allow blood vessels and nerves to weave through the interior of the bone. This vascular network brings nutrients to bone cells and lets nerves participate in signaling during remodeling. The result is a description of spongy bone as containing many small openings that accommodate vessels and nerves within its interior. In contrast, cartilage lacks blood vessels and nerves, and compact bone is dense and organized into osteons with central canals, which is a different arrangement for vessels and nerves.