How Does Cortical Bone Differ from Cancellous Bone?
Cortical bone is much denser and forms the outer shell of bones, whereas cancellous bone, also known as trabecular or spongy bone, is lighter and found inside bones. Cancellous bone has a porous, honeycomb-like structure, which makes it less dense but more flexible. Understanding these differences can help nurses identify the types of injuries and potential complications in their patients.