Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Compact Bone Quiz: Check Your Knowledge of Cortical Structure

Quick, free cortical bone quiz practice. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Nydney BearUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art showing compact bone cross section and spongy trabecular bone with quiz title on dark blue background

This compact bone quiz helps you review cortical structure, from osteons to Haversian canals, and spot gaps fast. If you want to focus on osteons, try our osteon labeling quiz; to build tissue-level knowledge, see the bone histology quiz; then broaden your review with an axial skeleton quiz.

What is the primary structural unit of compact bone?
Trabecula
Osteon
Chondrocyte
Lamella
The osteon, or Haversian system, is the fundamental functional unit of compact bone. It consists of concentric lamellae arranged around a central Haversian canal. Osteons provide strength and support. See more at .
Which type of bone tissue is dense and forms the outer layer of all bones?
Cartilage
Spongy bone
Compact bone
Periosteum
Compact bone is the dense, outer layer of bone that provides strength and rigidity. It differs from spongy bone in its solid structure with fewer spaces. This tissue type protects inner marrow and supports weight. See .
The small cavities that house osteocytes in bone are called?
Perforating canals
Lacunae
Canaliculi
Haversian canals
Osteocytes reside in lacunae, which are small cavities within the bone matrix. These lacunae provide a protective environment for mature bone cells. They connect through canaliculi for nutrient exchange. Read more at .
What is the name of the central channel running longitudinally through an osteon?
Haversian canal
Canaliculus
Volkmann's canal
Lacuna
The Haversian canal, or central canal, runs longitudinally through each osteon and houses blood vessels and nerves. It is essential for bone nutrient supply and waste removal. Surrounding it are concentric lamellae providing structural integrity. Source .
Which bone tissue type has a porous, lattice-like network?
Compact bone
Trabecular bone
Endosteum
Periosteum
Trabecular, or spongy, bone has a porous network of trabeculae that provide structural support while reducing bone weight. It is located at the ends of long bones and within vertebrae. The spaces are often filled with bone marrow. See .
What feature connects osteocytes and allows nutrient and waste exchange?
Lacunae
Osteon
Lamellae
Canaliculi
Canaliculi are microscopic channels that connect lacunae in bone tissue. They allow osteocytes to exchange nutrients and waste via gap junctions. This network maintains cell viability within dense bone. More at .
The concentric rings of calcified matrix around a central canal are called?
Trabeculae
Lamellae
Perforating canals
Osteons
Lamellae are concentric rings of calcified matrix that surround the central canal of an osteon. They contribute to bone's strength and ability to resist torsion. Each layer has collagen fibers aligned to optimize load-bearing. Reference .
Which cells are responsible for forming new bone tissue?
Osteoblasts
Chondroblasts
Osteocytes
Osteoclasts
Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells responsible for synthesizing and secreting osteoid, the organic bone matrix. They regulate mineralization and contribute to bone growth and remodeling. Once entrapped in matrix, they differentiate into osteocytes. Learn more at .
Interstitial lamellae are found in compact bone. What is their location?
Inside lacunae
Surrounding periosteum
Between osteons
Inside Haversian canals
Interstitial lamellae are remnants of old osteons located between newer osteons in compact bone. They fill the gaps and contribute to the bone's overall strength. They lack a central canal but maintain lamellar structure. See .
Which canals in compact bone run perpendicular to the Haversian canals?
Lamellae
Canaliculi
Volkmann's canals
Central canals
Volkmann's canals run perpendicular to Haversian canals, connecting vascular and nerve supplies throughout compact bone. They permit communication between osteons and the periosteum. These channels ensure integrated nutrient flow across bone tissue. Source .
Which membrane covers the outer surface of compact bone and contains osteogenic cells?
Endosteum
Synovium
Perichondrium
Periosteum
The periosteum is a dense, fibrous membrane covering the outer surface of bone. It contains osteogenic cells that contribute to bone growth and repair. It also provides an attachment for tendons and ligaments. More at .
Which cells are primarily responsible for bone resorption during remodeling?
Osteoclasts
Fibroblasts
Osteoblasts
Osteocytes
Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells responsible for bone resorption. They break down bone tissue by secreting acids and enzymes during remodeling. This process is crucial for calcium homeostasis and bone turnover. Reference .
Parathyroid hormone affects bone metabolism by increasing ...
Bone resorption
Calcium deposition
Collagen synthesis
Bone formation
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases bone resorption by stimulating osteoclast activity indirectly. Elevated PTH raises blood calcium levels when they drop too low. It also influences calcium reabsorption in the kidneys. See .
What is the main inorganic component of bone matrix?
Collagen
Elastin
Hydroxyapatite
Chondroitin sulfate
Hydroxyapatite is the primary inorganic mineral component of bone, composed of calcium phosphate crystals. It imparts compressional strength and rigidity to the bone matrix. It integrates with collagen to form a robust composite material. More at .
In long bones, trabecular bone is most abundant in the ...
Diaphysis
Periosteum
Epiphysis
Metaphysis
The epiphysis at the ends of long bones contains abundant trabecular bone, providing shock absorption and metabolic functions. This spongy region supports red marrow for hematopoiesis. The diaphysis transitions to compact bone in the shaft. Read .
Woven bone is distinguished from lamellar bone by ...
Random arrangement of collagen fibers
Concentric lamellae
Presence of Haversian systems
Higher mineralization
Woven bone has a random organization of collagen fibers, unlike the highly ordered lamellae in mature lamellar bone. This structure makes it mechanically weaker and more flexible. It is typically found in fetal bone and fracture repair sites. See .
Which condition is characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk?
Osteoarthritis
Scoliosis
Osteoporosis
Rickets
Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to an increased risk of fractures. It predominantly affects postmenopausal women and the elderly. Diagnosis relies on bone mineral density testing. More at .
What is the unmineralized organic portion of the bone matrix secreted by osteoblasts called?
Bone marrow
Periosteum
Calcitonin
Osteoid
Osteoid is the unmineralized, organic portion of the bone matrix secreted by osteoblasts. It consists mainly of type I collagen and provides a framework for mineral deposition. Mineralization transforms osteoid into mature bone. Source .
The load-bearing strength of compact bone is largely due to its ...
Bone marrow content
Concentric lamellae organization
Trabecular network
Endosteal surface area
The concentric lamellae structure in compact bone aligns collagen fibers in alternating orientations, which enhances the bone's resistance to torsion and bending forces. This organized layering is central to load-bearing strength. Loss of this organization weakens bone integrity. Reference .
Which imaging technique provides high-resolution visualization of bone microarchitecture?
Ultrasound
X-ray
Micro-CT
MRI
Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of bone microarchitecture. It allows detailed analysis of trabecular and cortical bone structures in research and diagnostic contexts. Standard clinical CT lacks this resolution. Learn more at .
Which component of the bone matrix primarily provides tensile strength?
Hydroxyapatite crystals
Proteoglycans
Elastin fibers
Type I collagen fibers
Type I collagen fibers in the bone matrix provide tensile strength and flexibility, complementing the compressive strength from mineral crystals. Collagen's rope-like structure resists stretching forces. Its degradation can lead to bone fragility. See .
The primary ossification center in endochondral ossification appears in the ...
Diaphysis
Perichondrium
Epiphysis
Metaphysis
In endochondral ossification, the primary ossification center forms in the diaphysis, where cartilage is replaced by bone. This center initiates the development of the bone shaft. Secondary ossification centers later appear in the epiphyses. More at .
A deficiency in which vitamin leads to rickets in children?
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin K
Vitamin D deficiency impairs calcium absorption from the gut, leading to poor bone mineralization and rickets in children. Rickets is characterized by bone pain, deformities, and growth disturbances. Prevention includes adequate vitamin D intake and sunlight exposure. Reference .
The expansion of the medullary cavity with age is mainly due to ...
Endosteal resorption
Trabecular thickening
Chondrogenesis
Periosteal apposition
Endosteal resorption by osteoclasts increases medullary cavity size with age, thinning cortical bone. This process contributes to age-related bone loss. Periosteal apposition may partially offset this but not fully. See .
Which signaling pathway is crucial for osteoclast differentiation and activation?
Wnt/?-catenin pathway
Hedgehog pathway
BMP signaling
RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway
The RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway is essential for osteoclast differentiation and activation. RANKL binds RANK on osteoclast precursors to promote maturation, while OPG acts as a decoy receptor inhibiting this process. Dysregulation can lead to bone diseases. More at .
Mutations in which gene encoding sclerostin result in sclerosteosis?
SOST
SOX9
RANKL
COL1A1
SOST encodes sclerostin, a protein that inhibits bone formation by antagonizing Wnt signaling. Loss-of-function mutations in SOST result in excessive bone growth disorders like sclerosteosis. Understanding this gene aids in osteoporosis treatment research. See .
0
{"name":"What is the primary structural unit of compact bone?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What is the primary structural unit of compact bone?, Which type of bone tissue is dense and forms the outer layer of all bones?, The small cavities that house osteocytes in bone are called?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify compact bone microarchitecture -

    Understand lamellae, Haversian systems, and canaliculi as presented in this compact bone quiz to grasp how dense bone supports mechanical strength.

  2. Differentiate bone types -

    Compare and contrast trabecular vs. compact bone using questions from the trabecular bone quiz to distinguish their structures and functions.

  3. Recognize osteon components -

    Recall key elements like osteocytes, lacunae, and central canals through our bone anatomy quiz to solidify your knowledge of bone tissue organization.

  4. Analyze bone structure in context -

    Apply concepts from the bone structure quiz to evaluate how compact bone integrates within the broader skeletal system for support and protection.

  5. Assess functional implications -

    Interpret clinical and mechanical scenarios posed in the skeletal system quiz to appreciate the role of compact bone in health and disease.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Osteon Architecture -

    In compact bone, the osteon or Haversian system consists of concentric lamellae surrounding a central canal that houses blood vessels and nerves. Remember "Osteon = Onion" to recall its layered rings. This microanatomy is fundamental when tackling a bone anatomy quiz and is detailed in Gray's Anatomy and NIH resources.

  2. Compact vs. Trabecular Bone Differences -

    Compact bone forms the dense outer shell of bones (~80% of skeletal mass), while trabecular bone makes up the spongy interior with a honeycomb-like lattice. A handy phrase is "Compact covers, spongy supports" to ace your trabecular bone quiz and bone structure quiz questions. Statistics from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases highlight this contrast.

  3. Bone Remodeling and Turnover -

    Bone remodeling is a balanced dance between osteoclasts (resorption) and osteoblasts (formation) regulated by RANKL/OPG signaling, ensuring skeletal integrity. Hormonal and mechanical stress inputs adjust turnover rates, a key concept on any skeletal system quiz. Johns Hopkins University research outlines the molecular pathways underpinning this process.

  4. Mechanical Properties and Microhardness -

    Cortical bone exhibits a Young's modulus of approximately 17 - 20 GPa and compressive strength around 130 - 180 MPa, making it ideal for load-bearing. Stress - strain curves for cortical versus trabecular bone reveal distinct yield points, often illustrated in biomechanics courses on bone anatomy. Refer to Journal of Biomechanics studies for detailed graphs and equations.

  5. Vascular Supply and Nutrient Delivery -

    Volkmann's canals interconnect Haversian systems transversely, while the nutrient artery enters via the nutrient foramen, supplying osteocytes with oxygen and nutrients. Remember "V(M) for Vessels to the Matrix" as you prep for a compact bone quiz. The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research provides schematics of this vascular network.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Human Anatomy & Medicine Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker