Dictionary > Compact substance

Compact substance

Definition
noun
A type of osseous tissue consisting of closely packed osteons or haversian systems, and forms the extremely hard exterior of bones.
Supplement
Because of the closely packed osteons and multiple stacked layers with few gaps on this tissue, the compact bone is extremely hard and dense (compared with cancellous bone). These features of compact bone are vital to serve its function in providing support to the body and protecting the organs. It also provides levers for movement and store minerals (similar to cancellous bone).
Word origin: compact: L compāctus (ptp. of compingere, to shut away, bind together); bone: Middle English bon, from Old English bān.
Synonym: compact bone, cortical bone.

Compare: cancellous bone.

See also: osseous tissue.

Last updated on July 12th, 2021

You will also like...

Plant Auxins
Plant Auxins – Phototropism & Geotropism

Plants produce hormones to regulate their growth. Auxins, for instance, influence plant growth. Know the role of auxin i..

Thermographic image of face and neck
Regulation of Organic Metabolism, Growth and Energy Balance

The human body is capable of regulating growth and energy balance through various feedback mechanisms. Get to know the e..

Chemical composition of the body
Chemical Composition of the Body

The body is comprised of different elements with hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen as the major four. This tutorial..

Freshwater Ecology
Freshwater Ecology

Freshwater ecology focuses on the relations of aquatic organisms to their freshwater habitats. There are two forms of co..

Endemic Flora of New Zealand
New Zealand’s Unique Flora

If New Zealand has lots of unique animals, it's also got a whole lot of unique plants. Find out more about some of them,..

Genetic Mutations
Chromosome Mutations – II

This tutorial is a continuation of the first lesson on chromosomal mutation. Here, find out the chromosomal aberrations ..