What is the difference between bone matrix (compact) and intercellular matrix (in spongy bone)?
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The difference between bone matrix in compact bone and intercellular matrix in spongy bone lies primarily in their structure and location within the bone.
1. Bone Matrix in Compact Bone:
The compact bone is the dense outer layer of the bone that provides strength and support. The bone matrix in compact bone is composed of concentric rings of mineralized collagen fibers called lamellae. These lamellae are arranged in a highly organized pattern known as the Haversian system or osteon. Within each lamella, the collagen fibers are oriented parallel to each other, making the compact bone resistant to bending and torsional forces.
Intercellular Matrix in Spongy Bone:
Spongy bone, also known as cancellous bone, is found inside the bones and has a less dense, spongy-like appearance. It consists of a network of trabeculae, which are thin, branching bony struts that form a lattice-like structure. The spaces between the trabeculae are filled with marrow, which contains hematopoietic (blood-forming) cells. The intercellular matrix of spongy bone contains fewer organized lamellae compared to compact bone. Instead, it consists of irregularly arranged collagen fibers. This arrangement makes spongy bone more flexible and capable of bearing weight evenly across its surface.
In summary, compact bone has a highly organized structure with concentric lamellae, while spongy bone has a less organized structure with irregularly arranged collagen fibers and a lattice-like network of trabeculae.