trabecula

anatomy

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July 14, 2026

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A trabecula is a small bar, rod, or bundle of fibers that forms part of the framework within a body organ or part. In anatomy, specifically within bones, trabeculae are arranged in a network of intersecting plates and spicules. This structure creates a honeycombed appearance known as cancellous or trabecular bone.12

These interior struts are organized to provide maximum rigidity with minimal material, aligning with lines of force to support compressive or tensile stress. Bones like vertebrae, which primarily experience these forces, have thin outer layers (cortex) and rely on trabeculae for structural support.2

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bone
Bone morphology
…bone is termed cancellous or trabecular. In mature bone, trabeculae are arranged in an orderly pattern that provides continuous units of bony tissue aligned parallel with the lines of major compressive or tensile force. Trabeculae thus provide a complex series of cross-braced interior struts arranged so as to provide maximal…
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…bone is termed cancellous or trabecular. In mature bone, trabeculae are arranged in an orderly pattern that provides continuous units of bony tissue aligned parallel with the lines of major compressive or tensile force. Trabeculae thus provide a complex series of cross-braced interior struts arranged so as to provide maximal…
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femur
…of arcs of bone called trabeculae that are efficiently arranged to transmit pressure and resist stress. Human femurs have been shown to be capable of resisting compression forces of 800–1,100 kg (1,800–2,500 pounds).
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…of arcs of bone called trabeculae that are efficiently arranged to transmit pressure and resist stress. Human femurs have been shown to be capable of resisting compression forces of 800–1,100 kg (1,800–2,500 pounds).
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